Serena not satisfied despite crushing Vinci

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:37

Former two-time champion Serena Williams suffered a few sub-par moments but still cruised through to the fourth round in double-quick time, beating Roberta Vinci 6-3 6-4.

The No.2 seed, who arrived late to Court 2 after a mix-up in the locker room, now faces Daniela Hantuchova for a place in the quarter-finals.

She was late heading to the new arena court at the south end of the All England Club because she was awaiting an escort, as is the norm on Centre Court and Court 1.

“I thought someone was going to come get me,” she said. “I was waiting and waiting. Finally I was like, ‘OK, I think I’m just going to go out.’ I’m used to someone coming and saying, ‘okay, let’s go.’”

Williams twice dropped her serve to the world No.53, but more than made amends by hitting 34 winners and 10 aces, and committed only 12 unforced errors.

Vinci simply couldn’t cope with Serena’s heavy ground strokes, too often stood helpless as Williams sent her one way and hit a winner into the other corner.

Despite the speed of the victory, Williams was downbeat about her performance. “I don’t think I played great today at all,” she said. “I’m just glad to have gotten through it and go on to the next match.”

Of her fourth round opponent Hantuchova, Williams said: “She’s such a smooth player.

“I have to make sure I don’t rush myself, because she is playing well, and I think she’s moving well. So I’m going to have to really bring a tough game.”

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here