Venus eases past Zheng

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:59

Williams powered past the hard-working Zheng 6-3 6-3 in her final competitive outing before the first grand slam of the year in Melbourne.

“We were out there for 85 minutes and every game was close, and I am just happy to have the win,” said Williams. “My serve was going well and I felt like I was playing aggressive.”

Earlier in the day, Japanese teenager Ayumi Morita recorded a surprise 7-5 3-6 10-4 win over world number 36 Gisela Dulko.

World number seven Vera Zvonareva was set to face Victoria Azarenka, but the Russian was forced to withdraw after suffering a recurrence of an ankle injury.

After reaching the semi-finals at Melbourne Park last year, Zvonareva remains hopeful of being fully fit for the Australian Open which begins on January 18.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here

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.