Defending champion Sofia Kenin crashed out of the Australian Open after suffering a straight-sets defeat to Estonia s Kaia Kanepi in their second-round contest here on Thursday.Kanepi beat World No.4 6-3 6-2 in a match that lasted just 64 .
Tennis News: Rafael Nadal will test his sore back again Thursday as he chases a record 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open, while top women's seed Ashleigh Bart
Australian Open champion Kenin crashes out in second round yahoo.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from yahoo.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Williams, on the other hand, is inspired now more than ever, to achieve a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam title.Â
Williams grabbed the last seven games to beat 99th-ranked Nina Stojanovic of Serbia 6-3, 6-0. The 39-year-old American has won the title in Australia seven times.
The reigning US Open champion, Osaka had earlier pulled out of the Australian Open warm-up tournaments, revealing that she was suffering from a “nagging” injury. Along with her, two-time major winner Victoria Azarenka had also pulled out, joining Serena Williams and Simona Halep with injury concerns.
The Australian Open favourite Osaka is seeking a fourth Grand Slam title. The Japanese national has won a total of six titles in her career.