Wimbledon 2019: Serena Williams beats Julia Gorges to reach fourth round
- Published
The best shots as Williams beats Gorges
Wimbledon 2019 on the BBC |
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Venue: All England Club Dates: 1-14 July |
Coverage: Live across BBC TV, radio and online with extensive coverage on BBC iPlayer, Red Button, Connected TVs and mobile app. Full details |
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams produced an impressive display to beat Julia Gorges 6-3 6-4 and move into the fourth round.
The 37-year-old 11th seed did not face a single break point as she dominated her German opponent in a repeat of her win in last year's semi-final at SW19.
Two-time champion Petra Kvitova also easily moved into the last 16, beating Poland's Magda Linette 6-3 6-2.
But Dutch fourth seed Kiki Bertens lost 7-5 6-1 to Barbora Strycova.
Bertens enjoyed her best run at Wimbledon last year, when she lost to Gorges in the quarter-finals.
But after a close first set, the 27-year old struggled on serve against the 33-year-old Strycova, landing only 29% of her first serves, and winning only 33% of points on her second delivery.
Strycova, of the Czech Republic, is into the fourth round for the first time since 2014, where she will play Belgium's Elise Mertens.
Fellow Czech Kvitova, 29, triumphed in 69 minutes on court two to set up a potential meeting with British number one Johanna Konta.
She will face the winner of Konta and American ninth seed Sloane Stephens, who play later on Saturday.
'Serena's movement is back'
Williams, who will partner Andy Murray in the mixed doubles later on Saturday, took only three minutes longer to end Gorges' resistance and never looked in any trouble.
A big part of her success was down to the consistency of her first serve - Williams got 71% in and won 76% of those points - but she was also able to hurt Gorges with her play from the back of the court.
"Her movement is back, and that was a real statement match by Serena," said BBC commentator Tracy Austin.
"She elevated her game from rounds one and two - she has played so few matches this year, which is why she was so rusty in the earlier rounds."
Williams, who has reached this stage at the All England Club 16 times, will play Spanish 30th seed Carla Suarez Navarro next.