MELBOURNE, Australia -- With the sun setting at the end of a torridly hot day at the Australian Open, Roger Federer ensured he made the most of a favorable evening draw.
Wearing bright pink shoelaces, Federer advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over Russian Nikolay Davydenko today.
Other championship contenders in the men's and women's draws, including Andy Murray, Serena Williams and defending champion Victoria Azarenka, had to withstand the high temperatures that aren't unusual for this time of year in Melbourne, but still not conducive to long matches.
A dancing Azarenka and an ankle-weary Williams played back-to-back matches, both easy straight-set victories. U.S. Open champion Murray also won routinely, beating Joao Sousa of Portugal 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 on Hisense Arena, the second show court at Melbourne Park.
Williams lifted her tempo on the biggest points, including when she finally won an 18-minute game to open the second set en route to a 6-2, 6-0 win over Garbine Muguruza.
The top-ranked Azarenka pranced into Rod Laver Arena for the first match of the day, and said she's starting to find some rhythm after beating Eleni Daniilidou 6-1, 6-0 in 55 minutes.
• Baseball
Jeter cleared: Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter says he's been cleared to start baseball activity in his recovery from a broken left ankle.
The 38-year-old team captain reiterated Wednesday that he is on track to be in New York's starting lineup for the opener on April 1.
A-Rod surgery: Alex Rodriguez had surgery on his left hip Wednesday and is expected to be sidelined until after the All-Star break.
The New York Yankees said Dr. Bryan Kelly repaired a torn labrum and impingement and the operation at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York "went as planned and without complication."
Three-team trade: The Seattle Mariners added some much-needed power to their lineup Wednesday, acquiring Michael Morse from Washington in a three-team deal that moved catcher John Jaso from the Mariners to Oakland.
The NL East champion Nationals reacquired pitching prospect A.J. Cole, dealt from Washington to Oakland 13 months ago in the trade for Gio Gonzalez. Washington also got minor league pitcher Blake Treinen and a player to be named.
• Basketball
Cavs snap skid: Kyrie Irving scored 31 points, Tristan Thompson added 19 points and 14 rebounds, and Cleveland beat Portland 93-88 to snap a four-game losing streak.
Nicolas Batum had 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who erased a 19-point second-quarter deficit and briefly took the lead. Wesley Matthews added 17 points and LaMarcus Aldridge had 15.
Reaches 20,000: LeBron James became the youngest player in NBA history to score 20,000 points and also surpassed 5,000 assists on a milestone night, leading Miami over undermanned Golden State, 92-75.
James finished with 25 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds.
• Football
Change of heart: Philadelphia hired Chip Kelly on Wednesday, just 10 days after he decided to stay at Oregon. The 49-year-old Kelly, known as an offensive innovator, becomes the 21st coach in team history and replaces Andy Reid, who was fired on Dec. 31 after a 4-12 season.
He'll be introduced at a news conference today at 1:30 p.m. at the Eagles' practice facility.
Browns hire VPs: The Browns have hired a pair of executive vice presidents, filling out their front office under new owner Jimmy Haslam.
Sashi Brown was hired as executive VP and general counsel on Wednesday. Brent Stehlik will be an executive VP and chief revenue officer.
Staying put: San Diego State is staying in the Mountain West and backing out on the Big East -- just as Boise State did last month.
University President Elliot Hirshman said Tuesday that the school is pleased to be continuing as a full member of the Mountain West Conference.
Eli Manning added: New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will replace Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers on the NFC roster for the Pro Bowl.
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