Maria Sharapova sets up fourth round clash with Serena Williams

Russian former World No 1 grunts to glory beating Strycova 7-5, 6-3 to set up fourth round clash with top seed Serena Williams

Russian former World No 1 grunts to glory beating Strycova 7-5, 6-3 to set up fourth round clash with top seed Serena Williams

LONDON: Russian former World No 1 and 2004 Wimbledon winner Maria Sharapova set up a fourth round clash with defending champion Serena Williams beating Czech Republic's Barbora Zahlavova Strycova during their Round Three match at Wimbledon on Saturday. Sharapova won 7-5, 6-3.

Serena had lost just five games in the first two rounds at the All-England Club and she gave another dominant display to dispatch Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova 6-0, 7-5 in the third round.

Russia's Maria Sharapova returns to Czech Republic's Barbora Zahlavova Strycova during their Round Three match at Wimbledon on Saturday. Sharapova won 7-5, 6-3. PIC/ Afp

Sharapova turned up the volume in her battle with the Zahlavova Strycova, grunting loudly as she hit the ball. She had three match points and won the contest with an ace.

"It'll be a really tough match. She's a defending champion and playing really well," Sharapova said of her upcoming encounter with Serena.