Williams Sisters To Meet In Round of 16

Serena Williams dodged a major upset on Friday, surviving a pulsating three-set match with England’s Heather Watson to advance to the fourth round at Wimbledon.

Defending men’s champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the 25th consecutive time in easier fashion, with 15 service aces and 38 winners to beat Bernad Tomic 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. French Open champion Stan Wawrinka also breezed to a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win over Fernando Verdasco.

“I served well. It’s not easy to win against Bernard in straight sets. I am pleased with the way I’m playing, I’m very close to where I want to be,” Djokovic said.

Williams was down two breaks in the third set before she staged an impressive rally against the young Watson, winning four straight games and then producing two late breaks to salvage the victory. She’ll next face sister Venus Williams for the sixth time at Wimbledon and the 26th time in their careers. Serena has a 14-11 record in head-to-head meetings and is 3-2 at Wimbledon.

Venus had an easier time in the third round, defeating Aleksandra Krunic 6-3, 6-2. The sisters will play Monday.

Maria Sharapova also advanced at the All England Club, dispatching Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu 6-4, 6-3.

“There is only one champion in the end and the one who raises their game is the champion,” said Sharapova, who won the ladies singles in 2004.

There was one upset on the men’s side. Nick Kyrgios upended No. 7 Milos Raonic 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, 6-3.

American John Isner’s match against No. 9 Marin Cilic was suspended because of darkness in the fifth set with the score tied 10-10.