Women's round-up
Serena needed just 40 minutes to see off Schett |
Serena Williams inflicted a 6-0 6-0 whitewash on Barbara Schett to reach the last 16 of the French Open. Williams achieved the "double bagel" in 40 minutes against an opponent who was completely overwhelmed by the occasion.
Schett managed to win just 20 points in the whole match and made 28 unforced errors.
"When I stepped out there and I lost the first couple of games, I thought, 'This is a difficult day,'" Schett said later.
But Williams claimed there was room for improvement.
"It wasn't as easy as it looked. I think I was really focused for every point, not just one here and there," said Williams.
"I'm really focused here. I want to do well at this tournament. This is a grand slam. I didn't actually look at the statistics but I can serve better for sure."
Williams, the top seed, goes on to face Japan's Ai Sugiyama for a place in the quarter-finals.
The 16th seed was the first player to reach the fourth round after a 6-1 6-4 win over Meghann Shaughnessy - and believes she can trouble the world number one.
"My weapon is my footwork. She's been playing really good and for sure it will be a tough match," she said.
"My footwork is key and the way I get rhythm. I will focus on every point and give it my best shot."
Amelie Mauresmo, France's best hope of a home winner, advanced with a 6-3 6-4 triumph over Fabiola Zuluaga of Colombia.
She will play Magui Serna for a place in the quarter-finals, the Spaniard coming from a set down to beat Ashley Harkleroad - conqueror of Daniela Hantuchova in the previous round - 3-6 6-1 6-2.
Justine Henin-Hardenne continued her smooth progress towards a possible semi-final meeting with Serena Williams with a 6-1 6-1 victory over Dally Randriantefy of Madagascar.
The Belgian next plays 19th seed Patty Schnyder, who had a convincing win over 14th seed Eleni Daniilidou.
Schnyder came through 6-3 6-4 against her Greek opponent.
Eighth seed Chanda Rubin had to fight but eventually came through 2-6 6-1 6-3 against 31st seed Laura Granville.
She now plays Hungary's Petra Mandula, who beat Flavia Pennetta 6-2 6-4.
MMIX
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