Venus Williams rolls back the years to reach Australian Open third round
American downs Switzerland’s Stefanie Voegele 6-3, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena to set up meeting with either China’s Duan Yingying or compatriot Varvara Lepchenko
Venus Williams rolled back the years on Wednesday with a straight-sets demolition of Switzerland’s Stefanie Voegele to move smoothly into the third round of the Australian Open.
The 13th seed, an eight-time quarter-finalist or better in Melbourne, won 6-3, 6-2 against a qualifier who had never been beyond round two.
Williams, the oldest player in the women’s draw at 36, will next play either China’s Duan Yingying or fellow American Varvara Lepchenko.
“I love being here and playing here,” said the American veteran. “I played an opponent who didn’t make it easy. It was a battle.”
It's #Venus into 3R singles. 1R doubles starts today with sister #Serena #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/FncGAoqXru— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2017
The draw has opened up for Williams with fourth seed Simona Halep, whom she was scheduled to meet in the fourth round, already out.