Muguruza in top form

Originally published on 01/09/17 00:00

It was an ominous display from the Wimbledon champion – who has conceded just nine games in the tournament so far – and she has now won 19 of her last 21 matches.

Muguruza, into the last sixteen for the first time, overpowered her helpless opponent for the second time in three months. “The last time we played was the semi-finals of Wimbledon so I knew it would be a very tough match and I was very motivated,” said the confident Spaniard.

“I take every match as a final. From the first round, every match is very tough so all I concentrate on is my next opponent.”

Venus Williams may have had a serving day to forget, but she is safely through to the second week for a 15^th time. The 37-year-old hit eight double-faults – including four in one game – but she still managed to overcame Maria Sakkari 6-3 6-4.

“I’m most happy about winning the match,” remarked the former winner. “The last time we played it was such a battle, so to win in straight sets today, shows I’m playing good tennis.”

Up next for the American is Carla Suarez Navarro. The Spaniard edged out Ekaterina Makarova 6-1 3-6 6-3.

Sloane Stephens continues to impress and Ashleigh Barty was her latest victim. The 24-year-old, who made her first appearance of the season at Wimbledon, was a 6-2 6-4 winner over the Australian.

After the match, Stephens said: “I knew I was going to have some opportunities so I just tried to hang in there and do the best I could. I got some chances, and I took them when I had them.

“I’m just happy to be back out on the court and excited to be running around. I’m super grateful to get any chance to play and do the best I can.”

It’s the second time Stephens has reached last sixteen and the No.30 seed, Julia Goerges, will provide her next challenge. The German dropped just six games as she defeated Aleksandra Krunic in straight sets.

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