Williams, Sharapova on song at Wimbledon

Top Wimbledon seed Serena Williams needed just 49 minutes to crush Chanelle Scheepers 6-1 6-1 to set up a last 32 meeting with Alize Cornet.

The women's top Wimbledon seeds have progressed smoothly, led by five-time champion Serena Williams, who rolled Chanelle Scheepers 6-1 6-1.

Top seed Williams dismissed the South African in 49 minutes to set up a last 32 meeting with French 25th seed Alize Cornet.

The world No.1 had seethed over her shock first round exit against Garbine Muguruza at the French Open last month and appears intent on taking out those frustrations on her Wimbledon opponents.

Serena, a 17-time grand slam champion, overwhelmed Scheepers with 26 winners, compared to five from the world No.94, and eight aces.

She is thriving despite the pressure of her status as tournament favourite.

"It's been like that for the past two or three years. I am always the favourite and that can be a bit of pressure, but it's OK. I have learnt to deal with it," Serena said.

French Open winner Maria Sharapova was also on song, dispatching Swiss Timea Bacsinszky 6-2 6-1.

"We had a few close games, but I stepped up when I needed to. I needed to start this match quicker than the last one," said the Russian.

"I'm just happy I've settled in during the first two rounds. I lost here in the second round last year so I'm really motivated to win this title again."

German ninth seed Angelique Kerber advanced over Briton Heather Watson 6-2 5-7 6-1, while Serb 11th seed Ana Ivanovic beat Zheng Jie 6-4 6-0.

Canadian 13th seed Eugenie Bouchard, semi-finalist in both Melbourne and Paris this season, defeated Silvia Soler-Espinosa 7-5 6-1.


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