Five-time champion Venus Williams needed three sets and nearly three hours to overcome the oldest player in the field yesterday and reach the third round at Wimbledon.
With rain delaying play on the other courts at the All England Club, Williams outlasted Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-7 (6), 6-3, 8-6 in a compelling battle under the sliding roof of Centre Court that featured great shot-making from both players.
Williams relied on her big serve at key moments to overcome a gritty challenge from the 40-year-old Japanese player, who was the second-oldest woman to reach the second round here in the Open era after Martina Navratilova.
“She doesn’t play anywhere near her age,” said Williams, who again wore her original one-piece jumpsuit with a triangle cut out in the back, a gold belt and gold zipper.
Following Williams on Centre Court was defending men’s champion Rafael Nadal, who cruised past Ryan Sweeting 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to move into the third round, showing just how tough he’ll be to stop as he chases a third Wimbledon crown.
The top-ranked Spaniard, who beat the American for the third time this year, all in straight sets, had only seven unforced errors to go with his 38 winners. Nadal broke Sweeting five times and lost serve just once.
“I was playing very well,” said Nadal, who finished in style on the last two points with a running backhand passing shot down the line and a forehand volley into the open court. “The second and beginning of the third I had the match completely under control, but he had a few good shots.”
Also advancing was fourth-seeded Andy Murray, who beat Tobias Kamke of Germany 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. The 24-year-old British player never lost serve, saving the only break point he faced, as he again pursues his bid to become the first home-grown male champion here since Fred Perry in 1936.
In women’s play, 2010 runner-up and No. 2-seeded Vera Zvonareva beat fellow Russian Elena Vesnina 6-1, 7-6 (5).
standing ovation
The opening contest ended with Date-Krumm hitting a backhand passing shot just wide to lose serve on match point after 2 hours, 56 minutes of play. Among those giving the players a standing ovation were all guests in the Royal Box, including Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall and wife of Prince Charles.
Williams, who fell behind 5-1 in the first set before climbing back into the match, finished with 12 aces and 45 winners, one less than Date-Krumm. Williams had 24 unforced errors, while Date-Krumm had 31.
“It was tough. She came out and I just couldn’t seem to get a game,” Williams said. “She played so well and before I knew it the ball was past me every time in the first set.”
It was the first time the two players – who have a combined age of 71 – have met in their long careers.
“I thought she played unbelievable today,” Williams said. “I thought she had some luck on her side, too, with net cords, balls hitting lines. I just thought today was a perfect storm for her to try to get a win. Thankfully, I had some answers.”
