Reuters – Serena Williams of the United States overpowered German Carina Witthoeft 6-2 6-2 to set up a third-round clash with big sister Venus at the U.S. Open in New York on Wednesday (August 29).

Williams sent down 13 aces and 30 winners to record her second consecutive straight-sets victory at Flushing Meadows as the 36-year-old, who is hunting a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, wrapped up the win in one hour and seven minutes.

Next up is a 30th career meeting with Venus, who beat her younger sibling in their most recent encounter at Indian Wells earlier this year. The last time the two sisters met at a Grand Slam was in the 2017 Australian Open final, where Serena prevailed in straight sets.

• Woman arrested for operating a fake college in Colombo
• Priceless artifacts looted by Dutch on display in Colombo
• Cyclone Michaung: Flights to Chennai delayed
• COP28 mobilizes over $57 billion in first four days
• The Parched Village of Velgala: A Tale of Hope and Transformation