Serena Williams sets up Maria Sharapova clash, Halep through

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.
Game. Set. Match@SerenaWilliams defeats @JuliaGoerges to face off with @MariaSharapova in R4 of #RG18. pic.twitter.com/n2o2MRXDcW
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 2, 2018
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.
Latest
-
Grand Slam
Jelena Dokic blasts body-shaming trolls over offensive social media commentary
Jelena Dokic takes a stand against trolls.
-
Australian Open
Victoria Azarenka confesses Australian Open controversy has taken a decade to overcome
The Belarusian defeated Jessica Pegula 6-4 6-1 to reach the semi-finals again.
-
Australian Open
Jessica Pegula has no time to cry as she bids for doubles glory
Jessica Pegula turns her attention to teaming with Coco Gauff in pursuit of doubles glory.
-
News
Australian Open day nine wrap: Stefanos Tsitsipas tees up Karen Khachanov showdown
The story of the ninth day of action from Melbourne Park.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas continues clutch run at the Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas had to play his heart out to continue his Australian Open run.
-
Australian Open
Who is Stefanos Tsitsipas’ girlfriend Theodora Petalas?
Theodora Petalas and Stefanos Tsitsipas fell in love quickly after meeting in New York.
-
Tennis News
‘Soccer mom’ Victoria Azarenka on her love for PSG ‘since the Beckham days’ and her son’s football dreams
What is the story behind Victoria Azarenka’s support for PSG?
-
Australian Open
Victoria Azarenka plays lights out tennis to beat Jessica Pegula – ‘I knew from the first point I had to bring it’
Victoria Azarenka sets up Elena Rybakina semi-final at Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
Azerbaijan tennis chiefs demand action against Karen Khachanov over ‘provocative’ messages
The Russian, who is of Armenian heritage, has written messages on the camera lens.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina draws on her Wimbledon title experience: ‘I can do it again’
Elena Rybakina upbeat about her Australian Open chances.