Several key players advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday. The third day of the Grand Slam games included wins from Maria Sharapova, Andy Murray and David Ferrer.
Russian No. 3-ranked Sharapova destroyed Spaniard Lourdes Dominguez Lino on Wednesday in two sets, 6-0 and 6-1, in under an hour, the NY Daily News reported. Sharapova, who defeated Hungarian Malinda Czink on Monday, will continue on to the third round against American Mallory Burdette.
Scotsman Andy Murray, No. 3, defeated Croatian Ivan Dodig in three sets 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 during their Wednesday night game. Murray, who won the Olympic gold medal in London earlier in August, defeated Russian Alex Bogomolov Jr. on Monday.
No. 4 ranked Spaniard David Ferrer also advanced to the third round defeating South African Kevin Anderson in three sets 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(3).
The biggest upset came when Laura Robson from Great Britain defeated No. 23-ranked Belgian Kim Clijsters in two sets 7-6(4), 7-6(5). After the match, Clijsters announced that she would retire from the sport. According to the AFP, Robson is the youngest player in the top 100 at age 18.
Robson played alongside Murray in mixed doubles during the Olympics and won a silver medal. The AFP reported that Murray caught up with Robson after her match against Clijsters.
"At the Olympics, she was moving much better than she had in the past. Today she moved very, very well. She hits the ball great when she's in a good position," Murray said.
Thursday matches include high-profile players Roger Federer, the Williams sisters, Mardy Fish and Angelique Kerber.
Federer, who defeated American Donald Young on Monday, will play against German Bjorn Phau on Thursday night. The Swiss won Wimbledon earlier this summer against Murray and is a favorite to win the title.
Venus Williams will play against Angelique Kerber Thursday night in hopes of reaching the third round. According to Bleacher Report, Kerber made it to the semifinals at last year's Open and reached the semis at Wimbledon earlier this summer.
Thursday Schedule:
Women's Singles (2nd Round)- Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez vs. Serena Williams (4) at Arthur Ashe Stadium (11 a.m. EST)
Men's Singles (2nd Round)- Mardy Fish (23) vs. Nikolay Davydenko at Arthur Ashe Stadium (11 a.m. EST)
Men's Singles (2nd Round)- Roger Federer (1) vs. Bjorn Phau at Arthur Ashe Stadium (7 p.m. EST)
Women's Singles (2nd Round)- Angelique Kerber vs. Venus Williams at Arthur Ashe Stadium (7 p.m. EST)