Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova today became the first woman into the quarter-finals of the US Open with victory over former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.

DEFENDING champion Venus Williams launched her bid for Wimbledon singles title number six with a 6-3 6-2 win over Stefanie Voegele yesterday.

Dinara Safina’s quest to win her first Wimbledon title may yet be scuppered by a knee problem encountered during her first-round victory over Lourdes Dominguez Lino of Spain.

Venus Williams will begin the defence of her Wimbledon title today, looking to carry on where sister Serena left off on the opening day.

Second seed Serena Williams found some welcome form on clay today to cruise into the third round of the French Open.

Elena Dementieva stretched her winning run to 12 matches as she booked her place in the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-4 6-1 win against Iveta Benesova.

SERENA WILLIAMS signalled her intent to regain the Wimbledon crown as the number seven seed brushed past Lourdes Dominguez Lino of Spain in straight sets on Court Two yesterday.

Top seed Justine Henin opens her campaign against Argentinian qualifier Jorgelina Cravero with the French Open champion on course to face Serena Williams in the semi-finals.

Top seed Maria Sharapova cruised into the third round of the Australian Open today with a straightforward victory over Anastassia Rodionova.