Serena Williams exploded any doubts about her form on Tuesday as she swept into the Australian Open second round on her return to Grand Slam action.

Venus Williams survived a rocky start to reach the second round of her 17th Australian Open on Monday, putting her 7-6 7-5 victory over Kateryna Kozlova down to hard-earned experience.

World number one Andy Murray could face challenges from Kei Nishikori and Stan Wawrinka if he is to reach a sixth Australian Open final following Friday's draw.

Next month's Australian Open will offer Aus$50 million (US$36.25 million) in prize money, with the men's and women's singles champions both netting a cool $3.7 million, organisers said on Wednesday.

Maria Sharapova is suspended for two years by the International Tennis Federation for testing positive for meldonium at the Australian Open.

Nike suspends its relationship with Maria Sharapova after the five-time Grand Slam tennis champion admitted failing a drug test.

Former world number one Maria Sharapova has revealed she failed a drugs test at the Australian Open.

Tennis star Andy Murray's wife Kim Sears gives birth to a girl, who is thought to have arrived on Sunday night.

World number one Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray in straight sets to win his sixth Australian Open title and condemn the Briton to a fifth final defeat.

World number one and defending champion Serena Williams will face Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open quarter-final.

Novak Djokovic has denied "absurd" allegations in an Italian newspaper that he "wanted to lose" a match at the Paris Masters in 2007.

More players reveal match-fixing approaches on Tuesday as the Australian Open Grand Slam tournament came under close scrutiny following claims that corruption in tennis was widespread.

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are poised to become the first $100 million men in tennis in 2016, in a gripping sub-plot to the new Grand Slam season.

"Fantastic Friday" at the US Open sees Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in starring roles.

Rafael Nadal remains on course for a 10th French Open title with a straight-sets victory over fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in the second round.

Andy Murray and Heather Watson face familiar opponents in the French Open second round on Thursday.