Svetlana Kuzetsnova/Getty Images

Russians Are Hot in Melbourne

Maria Sharapova, Vera Douchevina, Evgenia Linetskaya, Nadia Petrova and Svetlana Kuznetsova booked their places in the last 16 at the 2005 Australian Open this week. Neither Douchevina or Linetskaya, who are both just 18, has been this far at a Grand Slam before. Italian Silvia Farina Elia, French woman Amelie Mauresmo and American Serena Williams will join them in the bracket. No.1 Lindsay Davenport will also look to advance when she meets Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic in the third round.

The first Grand Slam of the year has seen its fare share of action, but as the draw gets smaller there is potential for some great matches to come. Possible quarterfinal action could see No. 2 Amelie Mauresmo of France meeting No.7 American Serena Williams. Also, No.4 Russian sensation Maria Sharapova could square off against compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova, seeded No.5.

Should the top four seeds keep advancing to the semi-finals Davenport, the 2000 Australian Open champion, would meet French Open champion Anastasia Myskina, while No.2 seed Mauresmo would battle it out with Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova.

The stars of the Sony Ericsson WTA will debut at the world class Rexall Centre as part of the Rogers Cup August 13 th ? 21 st , 2005. To purchase tickets or receive more information please call 1-877-2TENNIS ext. 4333 or visit <a href="http://tickets.rexallcentre.com/English/tickets.asp" target="_blank">www.rogerscup.com</a> .

MORE NEWS +