Federer out
NEW YORK - Roger Federer's dream of becoming the first man in 87 years to win six US Opens was destroyed by big-swinging Czech Tomas Berdych on Wednesday. It was the Swiss legend's earliest New York defeat in nine years. The 17-time grand slam title winner, bidding to reach his 33rd grand slam semi-final, and ninth in a row at the US Open, was beaten 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 3-6 6-3 by sixth-seeded Berdych.
Open revenge
NEW YORK - Not one to forgive and forget, Maria Sharapova is seeking Australian Open payback after confirming a US Open semi-final grudge match with world No.1 Victoria Azarenka. Sharapova returned to Flushing Meadows on Thursday to complete a 3-6 6-3 6-4 quarter-final comeback win over 11th seed Marion Bartoli after trailing the Frenchwoman 4-0 and 30-15 when rain forced an overnight suspension.
At the top
ZURICH, Switzerland - World and European champions Spain lead the latest FIFA rankings, with European teams holding the top four positions as they prepare to begin qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. Spain maintain their lead over Germany and England, and Portugal move into fourth place above South American champions Uruguay. Portugal beat Panama in a friendly last month, and Uruguay drew with France.
Final ODI win
NOTTINGHAM, England - Hashim Amla piled on the runs once again as he led South Africa to a series-levelling seven-wicket win in the fifth and final one-day international against England at Trent Bridge. South Africa, chasing a seemingly modest 183 for victory, collapsed to 14 for three inside five overs under the floodlights in Wednesday's day/night fixture.
New deal
LONDON - England defender Ryan Bertrand has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, four months after rising to prominence for the European champions at the end of last season. The 23-year-old Bertrand finally lived up to his promise at the English Premier League giants last season, and was rewarded with a starting spot in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.