Venus downs Barthel to reach quarter-finals at Melbourne Park
Published 22/01/2017 at 04:40 GMT
Venus Williams booked her place in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open courtesy of a 6-3 7-5 win against Mona Barthel.
Venus Williams of the US celebrates her victory against Germany's Mona Barthel during their women's singles fourth round match on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2017.
Image credit: AFP
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Williams emerged from a 42-minute first set that saw five breaks of serve with the advantage as both players struggled with the blazing sun.
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Venus Williams eases past Mona Barthel
Video credit: TNT Sports
Seven-time Grand Slam winner Williams had to wait until the 11th game of the second set to convert her dominance into the elusive break that sealed her progression to the quarter-final stage.
I think I was born to play this game. I really do. I think this was my calling, because I grew so big and so tall. I was meant to do this," she said after her defeat of Barthel.
"She played well today, so many balls came back, and I was really challenged to play my best tennis. I know what it's like to be down on your luck, but she knows how to play tennis. I wish her the best for the rest of the year."
Williams, 36, is yet to drop serve at Melbourne Park this year.
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