China's state-run sports system is known for its rigid structures and harsh methods, but Li Na's Grand Slam breakthrough shows how the machine is undergoing a major overhaul with Western help.

Rafael Nadal admitted he is feeling the strain of his French Open heroics after the world number one kicked off his grass-court campaign with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Australian qualifier Matthew Ebden at Queen's on Wednesday.

Rafael Nadal's record-tying sixth French Open title has helped him hold onto his No. 1 ranking, just ahead of No. 2 Novak Djokovic.

Sania Mirza on Monday touched a new high as she achieved a career-best doubles ranking of 14th and along with her Russian partner Elena Vesnina, became world number three in the WTA Championship race owing to their French Open runners-up finish.

After watching Rafael Nadal equal Bjorn Borg's record of six titles at the French Open, Roger Federer turned his gaze to matching Pete Sampras' seven Wimbledon wins.

Roger Federer believes his run into the final of the French Open and the way he defied Rafael Nadal proves that he is on the right track to add to his record haul of 16 Grand Slam titles.

Rafael Nadal said he was honoured to be compared to Bjorn Borg after equalling the great Swede's record of six French Open titles with his 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), 5-7, 6-1 win over Roger Federer on Sunday.

Rafael Nadal believes his sixth French Open triumph can pave the way for successful defences of his Wimbledon and US Open titles which would boost his Grand Slam collection to twelve.

While Roger Federer may have conceded the final match of the French Open to Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic also lost out on an opportunity to take the number one spot in the ATP rankings.

Rafael Nadal is still better than the best player of all time, beating Roger Federer for the fourth occasion in the French Open final 7-5, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-1 on Sunday.