Fifth seed Ivanovic sets up possible Venus clash

NEW YORK, Aug 31 (Reuters) Fifth seed Ana Ivanovic set up a possible clash with Venus Williams at the US Open after she hammered Russian Vera Dushevina 6-1 6-3 in the third round today.

The Serb, who reached the French Open final earlier this year, reached the last 16 for the loss of just 10 games.

Dushevina had beaten 25th seed Mara Santangelo of Italy in the first round but the Serb was too good, romping through the first set.

The Russian battled hard in the second but Ivanovic, bidding to become the first Serb to win a grand slam singles title, was untroubled, winning the match in 66 minutes.

Williams plays Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko later today.

Reuters BJR VP0315