Venus
sails into U.S. Open fourth round
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[September 02, 2017]
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Venus
Williams continued her U.S. Open campaign when the American beat
Greek Maria Sakkari 6-3 6-4 on Friday to advance to the fourth
round.
Roared on by the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, Williams, who won two
titles at Flushing Meadows in 2000 and 2001, overcame serve problems
to set up a meeting with gritty Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro.
She has now reached the last 16 in every grand slam this year, a
feat she last achieved in 2010.
The 37-year-old managed the only break in the opening set to take
control of the match.
After a couple of exchanges of breaks in the second, Williams stole
her opponent's serve again to close it out on the first match point
when Sakkari's forehand sailed long.
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"I'm playing at home, I've got a lot to accomplish here, and I'm
happy to get the win," she said, before adding she was expecting a
similar game style from Suarez Navarro as Sakkari.
"She's feisty. I know I have to come out, play well, have you all
(the crowd) behind me and get a win."
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![](../images/090217pics/sports59.jpg)
Venus Williams of the United States in action against Maria Sakkari
of Greece during their third round match. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
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The question on everyone lips, however, was whether her younger
sister Serena, the 23-times grand slam champion, had given birth to
her first child.
Venus refused to answer the question and a reporter was cut off by a
moderator after she asked several questions related to the expected
birth.
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Ed Osmond/Greg Stutchbury) [© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All
rights reserved.]
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