Venus just grateful to still be playing

The French Open has not produced a lot of happy memories for Venus Williams in recent times, but now that she's reached the third round for the first time in six years, the American hopes her 2016 adventure won't come to an abrupt end.

"It feels like I want to keep going. At this stage in my life, in my career, it's like you don't want to lose early," the seven-time Grand Slam champion said after walloping fellow American Louisa Chirico 6-2, 6-1 on Thursday.

It is the kind of punishment her younger sister, world No 1 Serena, metes out on a regular basis. But after matching Serena's winning second-round scoreline, Venus was eager to cherish her moment in the sun.