Venus first to reach quarters
2008-03-31 19:53
Key Biscayne - Venus Williams became the first player to reach the quarter-finals at the Sony Ericsson Open by beating 17-year-old Caroline Wozniacki 6-3 6-3 on Monday.
Williams is a three-time champion, but her most recent Key Biscayne title came in 2001.
A superior serve and return helped Williams defeat Wozniacki, a Dane who has won 14 matches this year to climb to a career-best 43rd in the WTA Tour rankings.
Williams lost only six points on her first serve and repeatedly slammed Wozniacki's serve for winners.
Williams, seeded sixth, finished with 23 winners and only 18 errors. She's 10-4 this year and trying for her first 2008 title.
- SAPA