Sharapova wins in Memphis

Maria Sharapova bagged her first title of the year in Memphis last night with victory over Sofia Arvidsson 6-2 6-1.

The former world no.1 has been in top form all week did not drop a set on the way to winning her 21st career title.

Top seed Sharapova who had struggled for form this year going out in the first round of the Australian Open to fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko and was clearly hungry to make amends this week.

"I served and returned well, two things that are very important indoors. I did the right things against Sofia today. I worked hard after the Australian Open and little by little things are coming along." said Sharapova.

There was also a strong British contingent in action with Elena Baltacha, Anne Keothavong and Katie O'brien all in the main draw.

Baltacha came into the event on the back of winning a 100k title in Michigan and extended her winning streak to eight matches before falling to Sharapova in the Quarter finals.

However it was Keothovong continuing her return from injury who went furthest with impressive wins over sixth seed Kristina Barrios and Karolina Sprem to reach the semi finals.

Brits on Tour Week 2

Women's No.1 Elena Baltacha has qualified for her second tour event in a row this week at the Hobart international in Australia.

The world no.85 will face Jelena Dokic in the first round having lost against her opponent in there only previous meeting at Wimbledon back in 2003.

Baltacha will be delighted with her victory over Anna Chakvetadze a player who won the Hobart cup only 2 years ago.

On the men's side Dan Evans is one match away from Qualifying for the Heineken Open in Auckland and faces Tsung-Hua Yang for a place in the main draw.

The 18 year old player from Chinese Tapai is currently ranked at 341 although could prove a tough test for Evans after an impresssive victory over world no.244 Jan Minar.

Meanwhile following a successful run at the Hopman Cup world no.4 Andy Murray is resting ahead of an assault on the Australian Open title, while many other Brits are gearing up for the Qualifiers which start mid week.

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Update 11/10/2010:

Evans beats Yang in 3 sets to reach the main draw at Auckland. The 19 year old will face fellow qualifier and world no.209 Michael Lammer in the first round.

Brits gear up for 2010

As the 2010 tennis season kicks off there are positive signs for British tennis in 2010.

Elena Baltacha, the British number one and James Ward have both qualified for the main event at Auckland and Channai respectively.

Baltacha, who is currently sitting at a career high ranking of 84 cruised past Canada's Stephanie Dubois 6-3 6-1 and will feel confident going into her first round match against Ioana Raluca.

If she can overcome that hurdle then a possible match up against no.3 seed Yania Wickmayer will certainly show Baltacha how far she has come ahead of the Aussie Open.

Meanwhile the 22 year old Ward defeated two higher ranked players including a convincing win over Israel's Naom Okun at Channai.

However Ward who is beginning to like the best choice for Britain's second Davis cup slot will now face a sterner test against world no.91 Marcel Grannolers.

Grannolers although primarily a doubles specialist is ranked over 170 places above Ward and certainly knows his way around a tennis court.