Serena sees off Witthoeft to set up Venus clash

Aug 29, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Serena Williams of the USA hits to Carina Witthoeft of Germany in a second round match on day three of the 2018 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Serena Williams overpowered German Carina Witthoeft 6-2 6-2 to set up a third-round clash with big sister Venus at the U.S. Open on Wednesday.

Williams sent down 13 aces and 30 winners to record her second consecutive straight sets victory at Flushing Meadows as the 36-year-old, who is hunting a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, wrapped up the win in one hour and seven minutes.

"It's always such a great crowd at night. It's just amazing to play in front of this crowd," she said courtside after her victory. "I was happy with a lot of things."

Aug 29, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Serena Williams of the USA hits to Carina Witthoeft of Germany in a second round match on day three of the 2018 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Next up is a 30th career meeting with Venus, who beat her younger sibling in their most recent encounter at Indian Wells earlier this year.

The last time the two sisters met at a Grand Slam was in the 2017 Australian Open final, where Serena prevailed in straight sets.

"It's obviously a tough match," Serena added.

Aug 29, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Carina Witthoeft of Germany hits to Serena Williams of the USA in a second round match on day three of the 2018 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

"It's so young in the tournament, but it is what it is. It's not the end of the world. We would rather have met later. We're both going to come out per usual and play our best in front of you guys.

"Normally, I would say cheer for me. But, whoever you feeling — me or Venus will work."

Aug 29, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Venus Williams of the United States hits a backhand against Camila Giorgi of Italy (not pictured) in the second round on day three of the 2018 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

(Reporting by Simon Jennings; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Aug 29, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Serena Williams of the USA playing Carina Witthoeft of Germany in a second round match on day three of the 2018 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports