Archives

NEW YORK, Sunday (Reuters)

While other big-names wobbled at the U.S. Open on Saturday, Venus Williams and Andre Agassi stayed rock solid, recording quickfire victories to slice further through the grand slam draw. Venus smashed German Martina Mueller 6-1 6-2 in just 41 minutes while Agassi battered Ramon Delgado 6-2 6-1 6-2 in 89 minutes.

Their emphatic victories were in stark contrast to the progress of men's top seed and champion Lleyton Hewitt, who needed five nerve-jangling sets to shake off American favourite James Blake.

The Australian eventually prevailed 6-7 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-3 but the match was not without its uncomfortable moments for the world number one. "I knew it was going to be a bloody tough match out there," Hewitt said after firing down an ace to seal the win in three hours 34 minutes. "I went out there with a Davis Cup mentality and just blocked it out."

Agassi, though, continued his dominant run.

In a rematch of last year's third-round encounter, also won by Agassi in straight sets, the American kept his opponent off balance and was in control throughout. Seeking his third title here, he has looked unconquerable through the first three rounds, dropping just 16 games. "I feel good where my game is at. How can I complain?" he asked. The sixth seed will face compatriot Jan-Michael Gambill after he clattered Argentine 21st seed Gaston Gaudio 6-0 6-2 6-0. Venus, seeded second this year behind younger sister Serena, stayed on track for a third successive Open crown with a ruthless victory. "It seemed to go a little quickly... but I guess that's a nice thing," she said.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager