Serena Williams sets up Venus clash, Caroline Wozniacki also through

Venus and Serena Williams will play each other for the first time since the 2017 Australian Open final after they both came through their second-round matches at Indian Wells on Saturday.
After only returning to the WTA Tour this week following maternity leave, Serena started the tournament unseeded and had to start in R1 instead of getting the usual bye.
However, she saw off Zarina Diyas on Thursday and then beat 29th seed Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 to set up a third-round encounter against her sister.
“She started out really strong,” the 36-year-old said. “I was (thinking) I’ve just got to keep going and do the best I can.
“I’m just happy to be out here. Everything is a bonus.”
Venus, meanwhile, beat Sorana Cirstea of Romania 6-3, 6-4.
“I mean, she looked like she never lost a step,” the American said of the 23-time Grand Slam winner. “Great way to come back.”
The two have met 28 times in their professional careers with Serena leading the head-to-head 17-11.
Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki also booked her third-round place with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Lara Arruabarrena in one hour and 27 minutes.
“It was definitely not an easy match,” the world No 2 said. “The courts are extremely slow and the bounce is extremely high. You definitely have to grind out there. There are no easy points.”
Wozniacki will take on Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the third round after the Belarusian beat 28th seed Anett Kontaveit 6-2, 6-4.
Defending champion Elena Vesnina also advanced as she saw off American CiCi Bellis 2-6, 6-1, 6-1; fourth seed Elina Svitolina beat Mona Barthel 6-4, 6-3 and the 12th ranked Julia Goerges beat Natalia Vikhlyantseva 6-4, 6-1.
Latest
-
Australian Open
Australian Open chief defends Novak Djokovic over quarantine note, saying ‘they were suggestions’
Craig Tiley jumps to Novak Djokovic’s defence.
-
News
Quarantine remains in place for 72 players ahead of Australian Open
Two Covid-19 cases have been deemed viral shedding.
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith recalls sitting next to Judy Murray as her son won Wimbledon
We talk to Leon Smith about his coaching journey.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open tension boiling over as players, pundits, ex-pros, fans involved in social media spats
It’s all kicking off on social media.
-
Australian Open
Roberto Bautista Agut slams quarantine restrictions saying ‘it’s like being in jail, but with WiFi’
“These people have no idea,” says Roberto Bautista Agut.
-
Australian Open
Victoria Azarenka pens thoughtful letter to tennis community urging them to ‘accept, adapt’
Victoria Azarenka calls for calm.
-
Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios brands Novak Djokovic a ‘tool’ following Australian Open quarantine squabble
Nick Kyrgios again unimpressed by Novak Djokovic.
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – Leon Smith reflects on coaching Andy Murray and the role of the inspirational Judy Murray
Leon Smith looks back on his days coaching Andy Murray.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev goes ‘back to his family roots’ as he leaves Roger Federer’s management firm
Alexander Zverev confirms changes to his team.
-
News
Tennis players’ isolation complaints given short shrift by Victorian Premier
A total of 72 players are unable to leave their rooms.