American wins three-hour marathon battle against Japan's Kimiko to enter round 3
American wins three-hour marathon battle against Japan's Kimiko to enter round 3
Venus Williams survived a huge scare before advancing to the third round at Wimbledon yesterday, downing Japanese veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 8-6 in a marathon three-hour battle.
Five-time champion Williams, seeded 23 after a recent return from a lengthy injury lay-off, needed all of her experience to subdue the 40-year-old World No 57 under a closed Centre Court roof as rain lashed the tournament.
USA's Venus Williams returns to Japan's Kimiko Date-Krumm during
yesterday's second round match in London. Venus won 6-7 (6/8),
6-3, 8-6. PIC/Getty Images
Williams said: "I thought she played unbelievable today. Today was a perfect storm for her to try and get a win.
"Thankfully I had some answers. I played a very tough opponent. She doesn't play anywhere near her age."
Maria, Li advance
Earlier, former champion Maria Sharapova and China's Na Li powered into the second round on Tuesday.
Sharapova beat fellow Russian Anna Chakvetadze 6-2, 6-1.
Sharapova, who won the All England Club title in 2004, will play either British wildcard Laura Robson or Germany's Angelique Kerber in the last 64.
French Open champion Li Na next faces Germany's Sabine Lisicki who beat fellow German Anastasija Sevastova 6-1, 6-1 for a place in the last 32.
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