Sport
Serena Williams beats Samantha Stosur to advance to quarterfinals
She hit three aces during a marathon game to hold for 3-2 in the second set. After falling behind love-40 in the final game, she smacked her last two aces and then a tricky second serve that kicked six feet high to handcuff Stosur and give Williams the final point.
A jubilant Williams hopped, skipped and pumped her fists.
“I’m really trying so hard,” she told the crowd. “My mom gave me the ultimate pep talk last night, so thanks, Mom.”
Her sister Venus was to face Ana Ivanovic in the fourth round Monday night. Venus is playing in her first tournament since withdrawing from the U.S. Open last August after being diagnosed with a fatigue-causing autoimmune disease.
“Venus has been so motivating, doing so well,” Serena said.
Sharapova, who could face Serena in the semifinals and Venus in the final, said the return of the sisters is good for the women’s tour.
“They’ve obviously achieved so much in tennis around the world and contribute so much to the sport,” Sharapova said. “To have these two great athletes playing in your sport, it’s always really good to see, not just for the fans, but for the game of tennis around the world.”
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press
