Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

HAMBURG, Germany - Roger Federer began the defence of his Hamburg Masters title with an effortless 6-1 6-3 victory over Jarkko Nieminen on Wednesday, while Rafael Nadal battled to beat Italy’s Potito Starace 6-4 7-6.

By Gareth Maher, 21 July 2008

France have been rocked by the departures of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Mary Pierce from their team to compete in the Beijing Olympics.

Tsonga has enjoyed a good year thus far with a runners-up medal from the Australian Open proving that he is an emerging talent on the Men’s circuit.

However, he will not be able to shine at this year’s Olympics after he failed he overcome a knee injury that saw him miss Wimbledon. Michael Llodra will take his place.

Mary Pierce is another star name missing from the French roster after withdrawing with an undisclosed injury, which is believed to be an old knee complaint.

The 33-year-old underwent knee surgery in 2006, and has not yet played a competitive match since so she was a surprise inclusion in the original squad.

Her place was due to go to Amelie Mauresmo but she was also unavailable, so Pauline Parmentier will now fill in the final place.

Setantasports.com

Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, Stefan Koubek of Austria and Karin Knapp of Italy are among the latest withdrawals from the Beijing …

Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (knee surgery), Stefan Koubek (back) and Karin Knapp (?) are the latest pulls from the Olympics? …

French tennis star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga withdrew from the Beijing Olympics squad on Tuesday after failing to recover from a knee operation in May.

The 23-year-old — a finalist at the Australian Open — is responding well to treatment but is not prepared to take any risks on the injury, a spokesman for the world number 18 said.

Tsonga withdrew from the French Open in May, where he was seeded 14, to undergo surgery.

He is now looking to be fit enough to participate in the US Open, which takes place in August 25, the spokesman added.

Michael Llodra, ranked sixth in France and 36th in the world, is expected to take Tsonga’s place at August’s event, which runs from August 10-17.

AFP

Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Stefan Koubek and Karin Knapp withdrew Tuesday from the Olympic tennis tournament because of injuries. …

3 Serb will head a field which also includes two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin and Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. …

Called the Muhammad Ali of tennis, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga suffered a blow as the rehab for his injured knee has not gone as originally planned. Michael Llodra will take his place in the singles draw.

Track coach Trevor Graham received a lifetime ban from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency yesterday for his role in helping his athletes obtain performance-enhancing drugs.

Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France (knee), Stefan Koubek of Australia (back) and Karin Knapp of Italy withdrew Tuesday from the Olympic …