Australian Open: Serena, Federer Through To next Round
Defending champion Serena Williams, on Wednesday defeated Hsieh Su-wei to charge into third of the Australian Open.
The world number one beat No. 90-ranked Taiwanese 6-1, 6-2 at the Rod Laver Arena, as she seeks a record-equalling 22nd major title.
Hsieh, a two-time grand slam doubles champion, priced three break points but the American saved them all and closed out the match with her seventh ace.
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Serena defeated Heish in exactly one hour in an all-time record 79th main draw match at the Australian Open, since her debut in 1998.
“It all started here, this is where I played my first Grand Slam right on this court and I’m still going, it’s such an honor,” said Williams.
“I love it every time I come here.”
She also eased lingering concern over the state of her injured knee, even pulling off possibly her first ever round-the-net shot for good measure.
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“It’s always cool to do something fresh and new. I don’t know if I have done that.
“I moved much better, so slowly but surely feeling a little bit better,” the 34-year old added.
Williams’ next opponent will be 18-year-old Russian Daria Kasatkina, who beat Croatia’s Ana Konjuh 6-4, 6-3
Federer saw off Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-3 7-5 6-1, to reach the third round for the 17th straight Australian Open, and register his 299th match win at a major.
He lost in the third round in his first two trips to Melbourne Park in 2000 and 2001 and between then and last year he won the title four times and lost one final during a run of reaching the semifinals or better in 11 straight years.
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The 34-year old said: “I hope to keep it up as long as I choose to play tennis, I mean, it’s the least I expect to be in the third round of a Slam, obviously, so I’m pumped up, playing well, feeling good.
“But there’s always a danger, you know. Like last year the third round was the end for me, so I hope to go further this time.”
Federer’s next game will be against 27th seed Grigor Dimitrov, after he beat Marco Trungelliti 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5.
World Number one, Novak Djokovic plays Quentin Halys later on Wednesday, while British number one, Andy Murray will resume his campaign in the second round on Thursday.
