Ferrer to lead Spain

in Davis final

with Nadal injured

World number five David Ferrer will lead Spain's bid to claim their fourth Davis Cup title in five years when the holders take on the Czech Republic in this month's final in Prague.

Fourth-ranked Rafa Nadal is still sidelined with a knee injury so Ferrer, winner of Sunday's Paris Masters, will spearhead a team that includes Nicolas Almagro, Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez.

"Ferrer's leadership has been important in Nadal's absence despite him saying at the start of the year he was not planning to play," captain Alex Corretja told a news conference on Monday.

"He has accepted the challenge and now we are in the final."

Ferr ... Read more »

Paris Masters - Janowicz

sets up Simon semi

 as Ferrer ends Tsonga hopes

Polish qualifier Jerzy Janowicz, 21, lies in wait for Simon in the semi-finals after he produced another breathtaking performance in recovering to complete a 3-6 6-1 4-1 win over world number nine Janko Tipsarevic, who retired apparently feeling groggy with his opponent on the cusp of victory.

David Ferrer showed his class with a convincing 6-2 7-5 win over 2008 champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The world number four was always a step ahead of Tsonga, who huffed and puffed but failed to earn one break point never mind a break of serve in the match.

He will face French qualifier Michael ... Read more »

Jenson Button says

 Lewis Hamilton exit

a 'big loss' for

McLaren

Jenson Button believes Lewis Hamilton's impending exit from McLaren will be "a big loss" to the team.

Button has previously made it clear he has enjoyed pitting his wits against a fellow world champion in Hamilton these past three years, helping to make him a better driver.

Although there will be no second crown for either man this season, a 24-point gap between the English duo means Hamilton is set to leave for Mercedes with a 2-1 victory in their inter-team rivalry based on total points at the end of the season.

Rising star Sergio Perez may have been recruited as replacement, but the 32-year-old Button cannot help but feel ... Read more »

  

Paris Masters -

Tsonga, Tipsarevic book 

O2 places with wins

in Paris

Both Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Janko Tipsarevic secured their places at the season-ending World Tour Finals in London with third-round victories at the Paris Masters.

TSonga booked his spot at the O2 event with a 7-6(4) 7-6(3) win over Nicolas Almagro, ending the Spaniard's own hopes of reaching next week's tournament in the process.

"It's really important for me to have qualified. With the big four at the moment, it's not easy to get rewards in tennis, so for me this is one of my rewards. It ... Read more »