Venus Williams wins three-hour marathon to set up Johanna Konta clash

Shahida Jacobs
Venus Williams celebrates
Venus Williams celebrates

Venus Williams came through a three-hour match against Kiki Bertens to reach the fourth round of the Miami Open.

Three-time Miami champion Williams found herself 4-1 down in the deciding set and also had to save three match points before running out a 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 winner.

The American was cruising early on as she built a 5-0 lead in the opening set, but then collapsed as Bertens reeled off three breaks and won seven games in a row to take a one-set lead.

There were another five breaks of serve in the second set with Williams just edging it, while Bertens looked good for the win as she broke early in the decider and also had three match points only for the 37-year-old to break twice and win the match.

“It was a very interesting match, to say the least,” Williams said.

She added: “I just tried to hang in there; it was really not that much fun for that to happen. But that’s tennis.”

Next up for the world No 8 is Johanna Konta after the British No 1 brushed aside Elise Mertens, 6-2, 6-1.

Defending champion Konta claimed three breaks of serve in each set to book her place in the round of 16.

“The last few times I’ve played [Williams], she’s played very well, and I haven’t beaten her,” said Konta.

“I think it will be a great opportunity for me to play someone like her, to play such a great champion and a great player. I always look forward to playing her.”

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina also advanced as she came from a set down to beat Daria Gavrilova 4-6, 6-0, 6-1 while French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko overcame Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2, 7-6 (7-2).

Meanwhile Petra Kvitova also came through a tough three-setter as she beat American qualifier Sofia Kenin 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

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