Sports in brief

TENNIS

Serena's injury forces her

out of Australian Open

Two-time defending champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open because of a foot injury, according to a statement released yesterday by tournament director Craig Tiley. Williams has played only one exhibition match since winning Wimbledon in July. She had surgery after cutting her foot on broken glass at a restaurant in Germany following her win at the All England Club. She returned to practice in September, but twice put off her comeback, missing the U.S. Open, the season-ending WTA tournament, and the Fed Cup.

Federer, Murray win

Roger Federer and Andy Murray easily secured spots in the semifinals of the ATP World Tour Finals in London yesterday with straight-sets victories in their last round-robin matches. Federer continued his dominance of Robin Soderling, beating the Swede 7-6 (5) 6-3 to earn top spot in Group B of the season-ending tournament. Murray followed up by recovering from a shaky start to beat David Ferrer 6-2, 6-2.

GOLFKaymer in contention

Martin Kaymer got the best of Graeme McDowell in their battle for the European money title yesterday, shooting a 5-under 67 to take a five-shot lead over his rival after the first round of the Dubai World Championship. Kaymer was two strokes behind leader Robert Karlsson. The 41-year-old Swede held a one-shot lead over 19-year-old South Korean Noh Seung-yul. Several players, including No. 1 Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, were at 3 under. McDowell struggled to a 72.

COLLEGE HOOPSWisconsin beats Manhattan

Jon Leuer scored 16 points and Josh Gasser added 12 as Wisconsin overcame a lackluster start to beat Manhattan 50-35 in the opening round of the Old Spice Classic at Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Manhattan (2-2) got 15 points from Michael Alvarado. Since last season, Leuer has scored in double-digits in 11 straight games. - AP