30 going on 13

Venus Williams returns against Russia's Alisa Kleybanova during the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Tennis Club, London yesterday. PIC/AFP

Although she turned 30 just days before the start of the grass-court grand slam, there is no doubt in Venus's mind that she is fit, healthy and, most importantly, hungry enough to remain the most feared player in the women's singles' draw.

"I'm definitely getting older, but it's wonderful to come back to this event and even better to come back playing great tennis," she said.

"It's not surprising to me that I'm still at the top end of the rankings because I work really hard year in and year out.

"If I was just relaxing, then I probably would be pretty surprised if I was here.

"I'm just blessed to be healthy enough and strong enough and still talented enough to play. And people are playing longer these days. They don't give it up too quickly anymore.

"These players I'm playing against, I definitely feel I'm holding them at bay because they come out and really play with nothing to lose."

Federer cruises
Defending champion Roger Federer swept into the fourth round at Wimbledon with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 win over France's Arnaud Clement. "I've had a tough first week," Federer said. "It's been tough mentally but I'm excited I'm still in the tournament rather than watching Wimbledon from the couch at home."

Hesh-Mirnyi win
India's Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi of Belarus advanced to the doubles third round at Wimbledon with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Jamie Delgado and Joshua Goodall. Meanwhile, Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, beat Philipp Marx and Igor Zelenay 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 13-11.

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