Tennis: Serena and Venus Williams progress to Australian Open's last eight
January 26, 2015
Serena Williams has her eyes set on a sixth Australian Open championship after beating Spaniard Gabrine Muguruza (2-6, 6-3, 6-2) to set up an exciting quarterfinals clash with last year's runner-up Dominika Cibulkova.
The 11th-seed Slovak has shown flashes of her form from 2014, dispatching two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in the fourth round.
Williams has started on the back foot in her last two matches, with Elina Svitovina beating her in the first set before the American powered back to win, and Mugurunza's clean-hitting forcing the 33-year-old to come from behind.
But the world No. 1, who will likely have to win the tournament to protect that spot, is aware that complacency could cost her against the diminutive Cibulkova.
"She's a really good player," Williams replied when asked about Cibulkova. "I mean, to be her size, she hits so hard and she plays so well," the American said of her next opponent.
"She's just such a power, compact, great player. I just have to stay focused and not underestimate her. She actually almost beat me before. I want to make sure I come ready and prepared."
Vintage Venus
Meanwhile, elder sister Venus continues to impress in Melbourne as she progressed to the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time since 2010.
The 34-year-old, who suffers from Sjogren's syndrome, an energy-sapping condition, defeated sixth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.
Williams sets up an all-American quarterfinal against the unseeded Madison Keys who has beaten Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova en route to the last eight.
A win over the talented Keys would reignite one of the all-time classic battles in tennis: Venus against Serena in the semifinals.
rd/apc (AFP, AP)