Tennis: Serena Williams reaches round of 16

Serena Williams of the US plays a shot to Ana Ivanovic of Serbia. Picture / Reuters

NEW YORK - Serena Williams showed herself to be a serious contender despite a year of inactivity by trouncing 16th seed Ana Ivanovic, of Serbia, 6-2 6-4 to reach the fourth round at the US Open tennis championships today.

Playing only her fourth tournament of 2006 after struggling with a knee injury, Williams needed just 66 minutes to beat Ivanovic, 18, who won the Montreal hardcourt tournament this year.

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Williams, issued a wildcard into the tournament and currently ranked only 91st due to her absence from the tour, was broken just once in the match.

Two-time Open winner Williams, 24, will meet either top seed Amelie Mauresmo or unseeded Mara Santangelo, of Italy, in the round of 16.

- REUTERS