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Money trouble

Paris May 31. Martina Navratilova seems reluctant to part with cash these days, even if she has won more than US$20 million playing tennis. A winner of 57 career Grand Slam titles — including 18 singles trophies — the 46-year-old is back competing in the doubles and mixed doubles at this year's French Open. According to her, she'll need to win both to cover her expenses. ``I want to pay my hotel bill. It gets expensive out here,'' she said after advancing with teammate Leander Paes to the second-round of mixed doubles. Her room plus lodging fees for her coach and trainer adds up. ``That's almost $1000 a day, thank you very much. This is a nice place, not a bed and breakfast.''

Demise of curtsey saddens Serena: Serena Williams said she was sad to hear of Wimbledon's recent decision to abolish the traditional centre court curtsey at the All England Club. ``When I was younger I always looked forward to having a chance to curtsey. It was just a dream. When I first did it I was just so excited. Venus taught me and told me how to do it,'' explained Serena, her elder sister having twice won the title before she came along and beat her sibling in last year's trophy match.

Terrible twins: Serena explained she and Venus are very similar personalities - with one major exception. ``I'm more of an extrovert than she is. I like LA, she likes Florida. She likes LA too. I think that's about it. We're pretty much the same.'' The attraction for Los Angeles has nothing to do with tennis, either. ``I love going to the nail salons and getting your nails done because they do the manicure, pedicure at the same time and they'll give you a massage on your shoulders if you want. I love this.''

Animal lust is what you need: American Vince Spadea said animal lust was what was needed to deal with red clay - but he was clearly a little short on the commodity as he slid out to Dutchman Martin Verkerk. ``Claycourt tennis is all about being physically almost like an animal and just wanting. It's more than shot-making. It's wanting to sacrifice your body.''

Last man standing: Andre Agassi as the only American remaining among 13 who entered the men's draw. Such promising young Americans as Andy Roddick, Vince Spadea, James Blake and Mardy Fish were eliminated by the second round. Agassi was also the lone American to reach the fourth round last year.

Local hero: Amelie Mauresmo, France's best hope for a title at the French Open, found out while watching television on Friday that she's on course for a quarterfinal showdown against defending champion Serena Williams. ``I won't die from that piece of news,'' the fifth-seeded Mauresmo said. ``It doesn't change anything. I'm focused on the next match.'' Mauresmo, who beat Williams in the Rome semifinals earlier this month, has struggled with her nerves in the past at Roland Garros and has never advanced beyond the fourth round.

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Cricket

• Richard Johnson included in England team
• Hinds' hundred sinks Australia
  
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• Clijsters, Venus make short work of their opponents
• Money trouble
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