Tennis: Williams Sisters On Semi-final Collision Course
January 21st 2009 15:07
Title favourites Serena and Venus Williams remain on a semi-final collision course after moving automatically into cruise control at the Australian Open on Tuesday. Second-seeded Serena released just enough power to blast China's Yuan Meng 6-3 6-2 and slip into the second round before older sister and No.6 seed Venus completed a 6-3 6-3 victory over German Angelique Kerber.
With temperatures again hovering in the high 30s, Serena took the first step in her bid for a fourth Australian crown with an effortless win.
The key was controlling the pace of the game, allowing her to conserve energy in the trying conditions.
"It was a little hot for me today but I was able to take my time and play a lot slower, not giving 1000 per cent," Serena said.
"Going out there today in this heat, it was pretty important for me not to go crazy out there ... keep in mind I am playing doubles here as well and I definitely want to do well in both events."
The American sisters were joined in the second round by former champion Amelie Mauresmo and the No.4 seed, from Russia Elena Dementieva.
Mauresmo, the 2006 champion, beat Bulgarian Olga Govortsova 6-4 6-3 while Dementieva survived a scare before outlasting German Kristina Barrois 7-6 (7-4) 2-6 6-1.
Dementieva came into the Open after winning both lead-up events in Auckland and Sydney, which has boosted her confidence but left a question mark over her stamina.
As long as she has not already expended too much energy, Dementieva believes she can improve on Tuesday's performance.
"It was not easy for me to come here after playing so many matches in a row," Dementieva said.
"I don't think it will be a problem. I think it's always nice to have some good matches before, that really gives you a lot of confidence for the grand slam.
"But it's just a matter of the recovery, if it's enough time for me to get some rest and get ready for the first round."
Mauresmo has dropped out of the top 10 in the past year but is unfazed about her ranking and more concerned about peaking at the slams.
"I am aware you have to play a lot to see your ranking go up," the Frenchwoman said.
"It's not really the goal for this year. The goal is to focus on the big events ... and also try to win a tournament again, which I haven't done for a couple of years."
Mauresmo now meets little-known British qualifier Elena Baltacha, a potential danger, she said.
"I don't know much about her. I've never even seen her play so I guess I will just have to focus on really what I have to do and be strong on my weapons.
Swiss 14th seed Patty Schnyder also played her way into the second round, fighting back from a first set deficit to oust Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic 2-6 6-4 6-2.
Meanwhile, ninth seeded Pole Agnieszka Radwanska fell to Ukrainian Kateryna Bondarenko 7-6 (9-7) 4-6 6-1 and blamed a string of unforced errors for her exit.
AAP
With temperatures again hovering in the high 30s, Serena took the first step in her bid for a fourth Australian crown with an effortless win.
The key was controlling the pace of the game, allowing her to conserve energy in the trying conditions.
"It was a little hot for me today but I was able to take my time and play a lot slower, not giving 1000 per cent," Serena said.
Venus Williams returns to Germany's Angelique Kerbe
"Going out there today in this heat, it was pretty important for me not to go crazy out there ... keep in mind I am playing doubles here as well and I definitely want to do well in both events."
The American sisters were joined in the second round by former champion Amelie Mauresmo and the No.4 seed, from Russia Elena Dementieva.
Mauresmo, the 2006 champion, beat Bulgarian Olga Govortsova 6-4 6-3 while Dementieva survived a scare before outlasting German Kristina Barrois 7-6 (7-4) 2-6 6-1.
Dementieva came into the Open after winning both lead-up events in Auckland and Sydney, which has boosted her confidence but left a question mark over her stamina.
As long as she has not already expended too much energy, Dementieva believes she can improve on Tuesday's performance.
"It was not easy for me to come here after playing so many matches in a row," Dementieva said.
"I don't think it will be a problem. I think it's always nice to have some good matches before, that really gives you a lot of confidence for the grand slam.
"But it's just a matter of the recovery, if it's enough time for me to get some rest and get ready for the first round."
Mauresmo has dropped out of the top 10 in the past year but is unfazed about her ranking and more concerned about peaking at the slams.
"I am aware you have to play a lot to see your ranking go up," the Frenchwoman said.
"It's not really the goal for this year. The goal is to focus on the big events ... and also try to win a tournament again, which I haven't done for a couple of years."
Mauresmo now meets little-known British qualifier Elena Baltacha, a potential danger, she said.
"I don't know much about her. I've never even seen her play so I guess I will just have to focus on really what I have to do and be strong on my weapons.
Swiss 14th seed Patty Schnyder also played her way into the second round, fighting back from a first set deficit to oust Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic 2-6 6-4 6-2.
Meanwhile, ninth seeded Pole Agnieszka Radwanska fell to Ukrainian Kateryna Bondarenko 7-6 (9-7) 4-6 6-1 and blamed a string of unforced errors for her exit.
AAP
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