Serena Williams sets up Maria Sharapova clash, Halep through

Shahida Jacobs
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Serena Williams saw off the challenge of Julia Goerges to book a fourth-round French Open clash against Maria Sharapova.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner Williams had just away too much in her locker for the 11th seed Goerges as she won 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 15 minutes.

The American broke once in the first set and twice in the second, although Goerges also managed to break once.

“There is still a ways to go, but it’s moving in the right direction,” Williams said after the match. “And I think that as long as it’s moving in the right direction, I know I will get there.”

She will face Sharapova, who beat Karolina Pliskova earlier in the day.

Top seed Simona Halep also moved into the last 16 as she beat Andrea Petkovic 7-5, 6-0.

She will face Elise Mertens next. The Belgian, who reached the Australian Open semi-final, beat Daria Gavrilova from Australia 6-3, 6-1.

“I play better and better day by day. I can say that today I really felt the ball, and the game,” the Romanian said.

“The way that I finished pretty strong gives me confidence. I can say it was the best match here at this tournament.”

Angelique Kerber also advanced as the two-time Grand Slam winner overcame Kiki Bertens 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4) while Caroline Garcia beat Irina Camelia Begu 6-1, 6-3.

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