Top seed Serena Williams experienced little trouble during her 6-1, 6-1, win over Russian teenager Daria Kasatkina.
Williams was playing in her 80th main draw match at the Australian Open compared to her 18-year-old Russian opponent who was only playing in her third. The Russian was clearly nervous against the world No.1 as Williams took command from the onset. The power of the American overwhelmed Kasatkina with Williams breaking early to lead 2-0. Kasatkina finally got herself on the scoreboard when she held serve in the fourth game of the match after saving two break points. As the world No.1 ease herself towards the first set, she was handed a double break following a double fault from the 18-year-old. The top seed sealed the first set with a forehand winner. Williams dominating first set performance was aided with 5 aces and 12 winners.
The winning momentum continued at the start of the second set after Williams broke once again to establish a lead. One of the problems for the Russian was her service. Kasatkina’s slow serves was obliterated by Williams, who furiously returned them to win the point. This was demonstrated during the fifth game of the set after the top seed got a double break by breaking to love. There was no sign of Williams faltering as she claimed the win following another unforced error from her opponent.
It was clearly all about Williams in this third round thrashing. During the brief 45-minute encounter, the world No.1 won 80% of her first serves, produced 27 winners and only 8 unforced errors. She also claimed 10/10 points at the net. Following the dominating win, Williams spoke of her delight.
“I think I played well today. It was one of those days when one of those days when what I did went well”. Williams said
She also praised Kasatkina as a future talent on the tour. Despite winning only 18 points in her match against Williams, Kasatkina has beaten Venus Williams earlier this year in Auckland.
“She has such a bright future, she’s so young. I look forward to seeing her on the tour in the future”. The world No.1 said.
Next up for Williams will be another Russian, Margarita Gasparyan. It will be the second encounter between the two players. Their first meeting was last year in the first round of the Wimbledon championships. On that occasion Williams won in straight sets.
