Venus lost in the second round of the 2009 Australian Open

Venus Williams beat Zheng Jie 6-3 6-3 at the Hong Kong Classic exhibition event in her final match before the Australian Open starts on 18 January.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion powered to victory in 85 minutes and afterwards dismissed speculation she is considering retiring from the sport.

"I know I have so much more to give. As long as I keep playing well, I'll stay," said the world number six.

The 29-year-old will now head to Melbourne to complete her preparations.

Williams said she was happy with Friday's workout, which came the day after rain had prematurely ended her match against Caroline Wozniacki.

I am hopeful that I can be 100% recovered for the Australian Open Vera Zvonareva

"The match was through in two sets but it took 85 minutes. She is an extremely tough competitor and does so many things well so it felt good to get the win," said the American.

And Williams, who has never won the Australian Open, is confident she will be ready to compete for the title in Melbourne.

"I know how to play tennis and I now just have to do it in Melbourne," she added.

Meanwhile, world number nine Vera Zvonareva pulled out of her match with Victoria Azarenka because of an ankle problem, although she expects to be fit for the Australian Open.

The Russian, who underwent surgery in November, did not want to risk further aggravating her ankle after suffering a recurrence of the injury during her straight-sets win over Ayumi Morita on Wednesday.

Zvonareva, who reached her maiden Grand Slam semi-final in Melbourne last year, said: "I am hopeful that I can be 100% recovered for the Australian Open.

"It is hard to say at the moment, but I am trying to take it as easy as possible so I can compete in the Australian Open."

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