All set for party at the Park

Spain's world No 1 and top seed Rafael Nadal finds British contender Andy Murray in his half of the men's singles while second seed Roger Federer, chasing one more slam title to equal the record 14 set by Pete Sampras.

Spain's world number one and top seed Rafael Nadal finds British contender Andy Murray in his half of the men's singles for the Australian Open, starting on Monday. Murray, the fourth seed, is bidding to become Britain's first men's Grand Slam champion since Fred Perry in 1936.

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Second seed Roger Federer, chasing one more slam title to equal the record 14 set by Pete Sampras, has defending champion Novak Djokovic in his bottom half of the draw.

Somdev crashes out

Melbourne: Polish no 1 Lukasz Kubot smashed Indian hopes as he sent the in-form Somdev Devvarman packing in the second round of the Australian Open qualifiers on Friday. Somdev, ranked 154, went down 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Djokovic slips against Finn Nieminen

SYDNEY: Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic blew his chance to leapfrog Roger Federer into second place when he was beaten 6-4, 7-6 by Finland's Jarkko Nieminen in the Sydney International semis on Friday.

Elena Dementieva beat Dinara Safina 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 to win the ladies’ title.

Paes eyes 500th win

Leander Paes is one short of 500 doubles wins. On entering the final of the Auckland Open, with partner Scott Lipsky, Paes completed 499 wins. The second seeds won 6-3, 6-7(4), 10-7 over Aussies Paul Hanley and Jordan Kerr.