While Venus Williams was written off as an inconsistent player past her prime several years ago, she came into the 2015 Australian Open as a favourite to reach the second week of the tournament, and has so far lived up to expectations and remains well on that quest to reach the later stages of the tournament. Up next is a match-up against Italy’s Camila Giorgi, whom she has never encountered previously on the professional tour.

Watch the match here: Venus Williams v Giorgi

Former finalist Venus Williams advanced to the third round of the tournament with a 6-2, 6-3 win against fellow American Lauren Davis, whom she had met several weeks ago. Williams struck 4 aces, 18 winners and converted 5 break points to close out the match in 1 hour and 16 minutes of court time. She will now look to reach the fourth round in Melbourne for the first time since 2010.

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“Always good to advance. That’s pretty much the goal when you step on the courts, it’s like, Come on. Let’s get to the next round. Met the goal today.”

With no intention of spending more time on court than necessary, Camila Giorgi stormed through her match-up against Tereza Smitkova in straight sets to advance to the third round in Melbourne. She hit 8 aces, 23 winners and won 86% of her first service points to close out the match 6-1, 6-4 in 65 minutes.

“Not sure if I played her before, but she definitely raises her game depending on the caliber player that she plays,” Williams said of her upcoming opponent. “I think it’s just important to remain consistent and aggressive, just as I’ve been this whole year. That’s my goal.”

Venus and Giorgi have never met on the professional circuit before and could make for a particularly interesting match if both players happen to bring their respective A games. While there is potential for some intriguing chemistry, the likelihood is that Williams will overpower the younger Giorgi and find her way into the fourth round of the tournament.

Prediction: Venus Williams in Straight Sets