By Craig McWalter
April 13 2002

Top-seeded Williams had her hands full with Russian Anastasia Myskina, but held on for a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) win to advance to the quarter-finals. Williams battled back from a 3-1 deficit in the tie-break and got a break at 5-5 when Myskina netted a volley.

Williams earned the win on the next point when Myskina sent a forehand wide.

"I felt I played well tonight, and I felt she played well also," said Williams, who had to go to three sets in beating Myskina at Dubai in February in their only other meeting.

Dokic had an easier time in her second round encounter, overwhelming Mary Pierce of France 6-2 6-0 in just 39 minutes. The world number eight continually passed Pierce, who is coming back from an abdominal strain sustained at the Australian Open.

"I was just glad to finally get the match in after waiting all night (Wednesday) and then sitting around all day today," Dokic said. "It's difficult when that happens, it's mentally frustrating."

Dokic so dominated the second set that she needed just 16 minutes to win six consecutive games.

"I felt I didn't hit the ball that bad, I just need more tournaments before I can regain the form I had before the injury," Pierce said.

In the other two night matches, Emmanuel Gagliardi of Switzerland defeated Meilen Tu of the United States 6-4 5-7 6-4, while Argentina's Paola Suarez overpowered American wildcard entry Jill Craybas 6-0 6-0. Suarez will meet Williams in Friday's quarter-finals, while Gagliardi takes on Dokic.