Radwanska, Williams Look Vulnerable Heading into Cincy Quarters

By Erik Gudris

Serena Williams - 2012 Western & Southern Open

(August 16, 2012) -- It's hard to believe that the top two seeds at this week's Western and Southern Open may be the most vulnerable heading into the quarterfinals, but that was the impression gathered today from both Agnieszka Radwanksa and Serena Williams during their third round matches.

Radwanska faced Sloane Stephens in a first time meeting that saw Radwanska race away with the first set 6-1. But after a pep talk from her coach, Stephens stormed back with big hitting to jump out to a quick 4-0 lead in the second set. Radwanska eventually closed the gap to 4-5, but with help of a Radwanska error, Stephens claimed the set 6-4 to force a decider.

Looking aggravated throughout the day with her patchy performance, Radwanska traded several breaks with Stephens until at 4-3, Stephens netted what should have been an easy backhand winner to level things at 4-all. From there Radwanska held serve for 5-3 and though Stephens won the next game, Radwanska closed out the matches with a clever backhand slice dropshot winner to survive what could have been an early exit to win 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.

Despite the loss, Stephens remained positive about her week overall.

"I played pretty well. This will be my third day in a row playing two matches every day. I have been winning except for my singles today, so it's been good. I always love being in Cincinnati. It's a great tournament. It's really well run. I just like being here. I think that kinda helps."

Serena Williams faced Radwanska's younger sister Urszula Radwanska in a match that saw Williams look nothing like the dominating player who claimed the Olympic gold medal a few weeks ago. Despite winning the first set 6-4, Williams appeared to have no energy on court and quickly fell behind 0-3 in the second set. But despite hitting 30 unforced errors, Williams raised her game just enough to reel off six straight games to close out a 6-4, 6-3 win, her 19th straight since losing at Roland Garros.

"Yeah, it was just energy," said Williams later when asked about her struggle on court today. "I have been playing a lot. Definitely more energy. Been traveling a lot, been training a lot. You know, it's been a really big summer. Singles and doubles is a tough schedule, so that's about it."

Williams will next face Germany's Angelique Kerber who defeated qualifier Andrea Hlavackova 6-4, 7-6(5).

Venus Williams, who had to fight in two back to back three set matches, had no problems today against No. 7 seed Sara Errani. Despite only serving at 53%, Williams hit seven aces including one at match point to seal a convincing 6-3, 6-0 win.

Next up for Williams is defending U.S. Open champion Sam Stosur who after a horrendous start to the event has cleaned up her game as evidenced by her dismissive 6-1 6-3 win over Ekaterina Makarova.

Petra Kvitova also notched an easy victory on her own as she thumped Shuai Peng 6-2, 6-2 in just 54 minutes. Kvitova will face the winner of Caroline Wozniacki or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova who play later tonight.

(Photo Credit: Western & Southern Open Facebook)