U.S. Open: Roger Federer, Serena Williams making things easy

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Serena Williams on Thursday served 10 aces, hit 25 winners to five from her opponent, won 30 more points than outgunned Michaella Krajicek and pounded her way into the third round of the U.S. Open, 6-0, 6-1. It took the 28th-seeded Williams only 49 minutes to win.

Asked about her older sister, Venus, who pulled out of the tournament Wednesday because of an autoimmune disease called Sjogren’s syndrome, Williams said, ‘I’m praying for her to be fine.’

Serena now advances to a match with either fourth-seeded Victoria Azarenka or Gisela Dulko.

Equally impressive was third-seeded Roger Federer, who was little tested in his 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over Israel’s Dudi Sela.

‘Not much trouble on my serve,’ Federer said, ‘and from the baseline I also thought I had the upper hand. When it’s like that, obviously it’s tough for the opponent, but I just think I was superior today. It was a good match for me in the breezy conditions. It was a bit tricky early on to find the rhythm. That’s why I was happy to get the first break.’

MORE:

Serena Williams, no smiles, 22 winners, easy victory

Venus Williams exits U.S. Open because of autoimmune disease

Venus Williams shakes off rust to win in first round at U.S. Open

-- Diane Pucin in New York