COVID RESTRICTIONS EASE IN TENNIS

TENNIS stars are set to enjoy a major relaxation of Covid restrictions at some tour events, starting this month. A briefing note sent this week to competitors and their representatives, seen by Sportsmail, sets out a new Covid testing regime which will allow them to move more freely while at tournaments, including visits to shops and restaurants. The move will also increase accommodation options, although the new freedoms are still expected to grind to a halt when they reach the shores of the UK for the grass court season. The measures are set to come in the week starting May 17.

DAN EVANS managed to test world No 6 Alex Zverev last night in the third round of the Madrid Open, but went down 6-3, 7-6. Zverev now meets Rafael Nadal, regaining form on cue ahead of the French Open, in the quarter-final.