Roger Federer beats Tomas Berdych to win Madrid Open

 

Roger Federer returned to number two in the world with victory over Tomas Berdych in the Madrid Open final. 

About: Tennis

The Swiss battled to a 3-6 7-5 7-5 on the new new blue clay courts and moves above Rafael Nadal in the rankings.
"It was a tough tournament and a brutal draw," said Federer, who joins Nadal on 20 victories at the elite Masters Series level. "Tomas played very well.

Before Madrid, Federer had not played for six weeks since losing to Andy Roddick in Miami and he had lost twice this year to Berdych.
The Czech player dominated the first set of Sunday's final with 14 winners and just two unforced errors, but Federer broke twice in the second and took it when Berdych double-faulted on set point.

The 30-year-old Federer has now won four tournaments in 2012  and, with world number one Novak Djokovic defending a huge number of ranking points in the coming months, the Swiss could potentially regain the number one spot with a Grand Slam victory.

Should he get back to the top of the rankings for the first time since May 2010, Federer would equal, and almost certainly go on to break, Pete Sampras's record of 286 weeks as number one.

By Albert Roca

FIA and Williams launch Spanish Grand Prix fire investigation

 

About: Formula 1's

Williams and Formula 1's governing body have launched an investigation into the fire in the team's pit after the Spanish Grand Prix.

Four team members were initially sent to hospital for treatment after the fire but three have been released.

The remaining team member in hospital will be flown back to the UK by Wednesday to continue his treatment.

A statement said he was in "good spirits" and in communication with his family.

Four Caterham team members and one from Force India were also treated in the circuit medical centre, but later released.
The incident happened as the Williams team - including Sir Frank Williams, who is confined to a wheelchair - were in the garage celebrating their driver

Members of the Caterham, Force India, Toro Rosso and Marussia teams, as well as other people working in the area at the time, helped clear the Williams garage in the immediate aftermath of the fire.
McLaren have offered Williams any help required - such as a loan of equipment - to help repair facilities and prepare for the Monaco meeting in Monte Carlo, which begins on 25 May.

By Albert Roca

Robin van Persie to hold Arsenal talks on Wednesday

About: Football

Striker Robin van Persie will open talks to determine his Arsenal future at a meeting with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old, who has a year left on his contract, ended the season with 41 goals in 53 games for club and country.
Of that tally, 37 came in 48 appearances for Arsenal and he was the Premier League's leading marksman with 30 goals in 38 matches.
A number of leading sides have registered interest in signing the Gunners captain, who was named Professional Footballers' Association and Football

  Van Persie to discuss future next week: "I have been playing here for eight years and I love this club. Whatever happens that will never change. We will sit down next week."

Van Persie was unwilling to open negotiations until the campaign had ended, with Champions League football a key consideration.

 Arsenal are expected to offer the Dutchman a new four-year deal that would break their current wage structure, while Van Persie and his family are happy in London.
But, with the Netherlands assembling for a pre-Euro 2012 training camp in Switzerland on 17 May, there is little time to reach an agreement.
Van Persie is open to the idea of playing in the tournament before making a decision.

By Albert Roca