Venus eases past Goerges

Venus Williams stayed on track for a possible semi-final clash with sister Serena by sprinting past German Julia Goerges to reach the third round of the US Open.

The sixth-seeded Williams, 36, relied on her big serve throughout the match, posting a 6-2 6-3 victory under the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Williams, the US Open winner of 2000 and 2001, was runner-up to top seed Martina Hingis as an unseeded player in the inaugural year of Ashe Stadium and 19 years later finished the first US Open day session played entirely under a roof.

“1997 was a long time ago,” Williams said on court after her victory.

“I’m so grateful to be here still playing, still winning matches and I can’t wait for the next round.”

The elder Williams sister will next play either 26th seed Laura Siegemund of Germany or unseeded American Nicole Gibbs.

Earlier on day three Romanian fifth seed Simona Halep advanced to the third round with a 6-3 6-4 win over Lucie Safarova in the first full match played under a closed roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“It was a little bit (of an adjustment),” Halep said about playing under the roof.

“But I had the chance to warm up in the morning before the match.

“I don’t want to say anything bad because it wasn’t bad. Had a nice feeling.

“It was a great experience to be there. I didn’t have to wait for the rain, so that’s a good thing.”

Halep will play Hungary’s Timea Babos in the third round.