Explosive performance matches fireworks

A scintillating fireworks show that illuminated the cityscape and commemorated Australia Day fittingly capped an explosive performance by Venus Williams and the Stars and Stripes brigade at the Australian Open yesterday.

The fireworks display, which has disrupted play previously at Rod Laver Arena, began minutes after Williams advanced to her first grand slam quarterfinal since the 2010 US Open with an upset win over sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska.

The 34-year-old’s victory ensured three American women would be in the last eight of a grand slam for the first time since the 2004 US Open as she joined younger sister Serena and teenager Madison Keys.

Men’s top seed Novak Djokovic also moved up a gear to beat Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller and next faces Milos Raonic, who became the first Canadian male since Robert Powell in 1912 to reach a third career grand slam quarterfinal.

- Reuters