Venus and Serena straight through in Stanford

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:39

Venus Williams will meet Maria Sharapova in the quarter-finals of the Bank of the West Classic after a straight-sets win over Alla Kudryavtseva

The American ran out a 6-1 7-5 winner against the Russian, while sister and top seed Serena hit 10 aces on her way to victory over Melinda Czink 6-3 7-6(7) in the second round in Stanford, California.

Sharapova holds a 3-2 career head-to-head record against Williams, including their most recent meeting in Miami two years ago, with the American twice beating the Russian at Wimbledon.

“My key is to execute my game as best I can,” said Williams on the upcoming showdown. “There’s no secret to that. I feel like it will be a good matchup for me. I always enjoy playing against Maria.”

Three-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova is on the comeback from shoulder surgery, but declared herself ’100% ready’ ahead of the $700,000 tournament.

“I’m excited,” Sharapova said. “I love playing against her and it has been a while. It’s great to come back and have the chance to play against a great player like Venus, who is at the top of her game right now.”

If Venus is on top of her game, Serena is in even better form. The American has won 13 of her past 14 matches and will now face Sam Stosur in Friday’s quarter-finals.

“It should be a good match,” said Serena. “She has improved tons, leaps and bounds. I’ve been a little bit off this whole week. I hope I can get back on.”

Former world No.1 Jelena Jankovic recovered from going a set down to beat rising German star Sabine Lisicki 2-6 6-2 6-4 to set up a quarter-final clash with Marion Bartoli, who ousted Melanie Oudin 7-5 6-4.

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