Venus notches up 700th career win at Wuhan Open

Venus Williams took just two sets to dismiss Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain 6-3, 6-4 – potentially setting her up to meet her sister Serena’s US Open nemesis Vinci in the semis, if they both make it through the quarterfinals. “I’d have been a little bit nervous”. She said that her first thought was how long will it take her to go through to 800 wins, but these 700 victories have been great throughout my career.

Williams will face German Julia Goerges in the second round.

Martina Navratilova leads the list with 1,363 singles victories with Chris Evert in second on 1,011, according to the WTA.

Williams was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an immune system disorder, in 2011 and later switched to a vegan and raw foods diet to curb its symptoms.

Till now Williams has won 700 career matches that include 7 Grand Slam titles (Wimbledon five times and US Open twice). She has only dropped seven games in her two matches.

The 21-year-old has had a breakout year, joining the ranks of the top 10 for the first time after reaching the Wimbledon finals this year.

“I’m feeling humbled and blessed I get to come back (on Thursday) and compete again”, Konta said in her on-court interview televised by BT Sport 1.

Third seed Petra Kvitova came through a gruelling three-setter with Daria Gavrilova, prevailing 6-3 4-6 7-5, to set up a meeting with US Open finalist Roberta Vinci, a 6-4 6-3 victor against Irina-Camelia Begu.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old unseeded Moldovan Radu Albot stunned fifth seed Viktor Troicki, beating the 29-year-old Serb 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) despite Troicki’s 11 aces. It was hard work for every point against Viktor, who is a fighter. “I obviously did not want to retire but that was my only option”, Bencic said.