Swiss star Roger Federer said he felt "completely beat up" following his Davis Cup doubles tie on Saturday, a day after Rafael Nadal blasted the packed tennis calendar.

The current round of Davis Cup matches began just days after the end of the U.S. Open, prompting Nadal to complain that players' physical wellbeing was at risk.

Diego Maradona, who this week accused his successor as Argentina coach Sergio Batista of accepting bribes, is also tainted by corruption, according to a claim made here Saturday.

Gabriel Buono, Maradona's former private secretary, made the accusation, saying of his ex boss: "He talks about bribes but if you are looking for someone who is corrupt the first person is Maradona - I've got all the evidence."

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas insists his side will still be firmly in the Premier League title race even if they lose Sunday's showdown with Manchester United.

United have made a sensational start to their bid for a 20th English title, scoring 18 goals to surge to the top of the table, while Villas-Boas's team have been rather more subdued.

Rafael Nadal cast off fatigue and his U.S. Open final loss to Novak Djokovic to thrash Richard Gasquet in Friday's opening rubber of the Davis Cup semi-final to hand the hosts and four-time champions a 1-0 lead.

World number two Nadal blitzed Gasquet 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 to underline the Spaniards' status of favorites on home clay as they look to advance to a final against either defending champions Serbia or Argentina, who were facing off in Belgrade.

Blackburn skipper Chris Samba has vowed to make Ewood Park a "living hell" for Arsenal as the Gunners chase only their second victory of the season on Saturday.

Rovers have endured a miserable start to the season, failing to win any of their opening four games in a run that sees them firmly anchored to the bottom of the table with mounting pressure on boss Steve Kean.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas admits Didier Drogba is set to miss Sunday's clash against Manchester United as the Ivory Coast striker continues to recover from concussion.

Drogba was concussed in a collision with Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy during Chelsea's 3-1 victory on August 27 and has yet to return to action.

Roger Federer said Thursday he was feeling "really good" as he prepared to face Lleyton Hewitt in the Davis Cup despite a long flight after a grueling U.S. Open semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic.

The world number three has made the long trek to Sydney for Switzerland's World Group play-off against Australia.

South Korea's Formula One Grand Prix will be a more enjoyable experience this year, organizers promised, after last year's inaugural race sparked widespread spectator complaints.

The Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO) said this year's race weekend from October 14-16 would be "far more entertaining... and more satisfactory".

Argentina and Brazil, both missing their Europe-based stars, played out a lackluster goalless draw in the first leg of the Superclasico de las Americas here on Wednesday night.

The South American heavyweights are both looking to put disappointing performances in the Copa America behind them.

German league leaders Bayern Munich are waiting on the fitness of striker Mario Gomez and defender Daniel van Buyten for Sunday's match at Schalke 04.

Gomez, who has scored seven goals in his last two Bundesliga games, came off with a groin strain at halftime of Bayern's 2-0 win at Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday in Group A.