Charleston (USA) : Venus Williams rallied in each set on Wednesday for a 7-5, 7-5 second-round victory in the WTA Family Circle Cup, a day after sister Serena crashed out.
Venus, the 11th seed who won the title on the green clay at Charleston in 2004, defeated South African Chanelle Scheepers 7-5, 7-5. “She was playing so well, but the good thing is that when I get behind, I give even more effort and get even more focused,” said Venus, who lost in the semifinals last year to her younger sister Serena.
Venus next faces rising Canadian star Eugenie Bouchard, the sixth seed.
Another up and coming youngster, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, upset fifth seeded Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-4 to book a third round berth. Svitolina next faces another teenager in 17-year-old Belinda Bencic of Switzerland.
Second seeded Serbian Jelena Jankovic, the 2007 champion, reached the third-round with a convincing 6-0, 6-3 victory over American Lauren Davis. Third-seeded Italian Sara Errani eased through, winning the first set against Kiki Bertens 6-3 before the Dutch player retired. Sabine Lisicki booked a third-round berth with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 victory over American Vania King.
