Australian Open 2015: Serena Williams sails through to round three

Serena Williams is through to the third round of the Australian Open after a straight-sets win over Russia’s Vera Zvonareva.

The 33-year-old world No1 triumphed 7-5 6-0 as she booked her place in round three in the searing heat in Melbourne.

“I’m feeling better every day,” said Williams. “I think in the beginning of the tournament every player feels a little sluggish; at least I do. Now I’m feeling like I’m starting to hopefully feel better.”

Venus Williams also booked her place in the third round Down Under after the 34-year-old beat beat Lauren Davis 6-2 6-3.

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus hasn’t been beyond the third round at a Major since reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon back in 2011.

“She is really motivating,” said Serena of her sister. “She is playing so well, she’s doing so good right now.

“It makes me look behind my shoulders and like I have to play better and I want to do better.

“I always want to be able to stay ahead as much as I can. So I think that’s been, for our whole careers, we’ve kind of motivated each other. We hopefully continue to do that.”