16th January, 2013
Seven-time Grand Slam champion America’s Venus Williams disposed of Alize Cornet in straight sets Wednesday to set up a tantalising third round clash with Russia’s Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open.
The 32-year-old, playing her 18th year on tour, drew on all her experience to ease past the Frenchwoman 6-3, 6-3 on centre court in 77 minutes.
Awaiting her next is the world number two, who crushed her second round opponent Misaki Doi of Japan 6-0, 6-0 in a dominant display.
Williams has been battling injury and illness in the past two years and her ranking has dropped. But she has clawed her way back to be 26.
She knows she will have to dig deep against Sharapova.
“I look at the draw, I’m not superstitious. I play Maria and I better bring my best game against her,” she said immediately after the match.