Murray, Venus Williams, Li Na battle into the Wimbledon third round

LONDON: The home favorite Andy Murray, Veteran American Venus Williams and Second seed Li Na have eased into the Wimbledon third round on Wednesday, ARY News reported.

Defending Champion Andy Murray defeated the Slovenian Blaz Rola in brutal fashion by 6-1 6-1 6-0 obliterating the second obstacle blocking his path to consecutive Wimbledon titles.

Meanwhile, Venus Williams battled into the third round with 7-6(4) 6-1 defeat of Japan’s Kurumi Nara.

Williams, level with younger sister Serena on five Wimbledon singles titles, missed last year’s tournament and exited in the first round in 2012 but the 30th seed hopes she can at least join her sibling in the second week this time.

The Chinese world No.2, Li Na, who struggled in her first match against qualifier Paula Kania showed signs of a return to form against Austrian Yvonne Meusburger as she eased into the Wimbledon third round with a 6-2 6-2 win.

Australian Open champion Li arrived at the All England Clubon the back of a dismal clay court season, concluding with a first-round exit at last month’s French Open, her worst display at a grand slam for three years.