Williams advances in Zurich

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:05

While Williams has won this event before, the memory of that triumph is probably a bit fuzzy. It was in 1999 when Williams, at the age of 19, topped then world number one Martina Hingis in the final to claim the ninth of her 37 career titles.

The seven-time grand slam champion will face Francesca Schiavone in the last eight after the unseeded Italian defeated Maria Kirilenko of Russia 6-3 7-5.

In one of three first-round matches played on Wednesday, Flavia Pennetta of Italy defeated Russia’s Nadia Petrova 6-1 6-1 to set up a meeting with top seed and world number one Jelena Jankovic.

Also claiming first-round victories were Swedish qualifier Sofia Arvidsson and Katarina Srebotnik of Slovenia.

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By Tim Farthing

About the Author / Tim Farthing

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.