23 Jan 2015

Sisters through at Australian Open

2:32 pm on 23 January 2015

Serena Williams has sailed into the third round of the Australian Open after weathering an early challenge from Russian Vera Zvonareva.

Serena Williams returns a shot against Vera Zvonareva during their second round match at the Australian Open.

Serena Williams returns a shot against Vera Zvonareva during their second round match at the Australian Open. Photo: AFP

The former world number two broke Williams twice in the first set but the top seed broke back and took the first set 7-5.

Williams went on to dominate, taking the second set 6-0.

Her sister Venus Williams beat fellow American Lauren Davis in two sets and said she was grateful just to be playing.

"Appreciative for good health because, you know, there was a period where I couldn't even play professional tennis," she says.

"Able to feel good every day because, you know, there was a point where I didn't. To overcome that, I'm grateful."

Sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska has also advanced to the third round.

In the men's draw Novak Djokovic's Australian Open tennis campaign shifted up a gear with a 6-0 6-1 6-4 thrashing of Russian Andrey Kuznetsov to move into the third round.

The defending champion Stan Wawrinka also advanced after beating the Romanian qualifier Marius Copil 7-6 7-6 6-3.

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