FLUSHING, N.Y. (BASN) -- Venus Williams has been written off by most of the media as a favorite in this year's U.S. Open, not because of a lack of skill but because of a knee injury which has been very difficult for her during the hard court season in the U.S., commencing August 1.

The third-seeded Williams had to narrowly hang on in three sets against Vera Dushevina of Russia during the first day of the Open to advance.

Her second match was much different. She defeated Bethanie Matek-Sands of the United States easily 6-4, 6-2. Venus' mobility was much better from day one to day three.

"I mean, I think it was pretty good", said Williams."I put all my focus on the match. Even with my body, I really do try to put that out of my thoughts."

Williams is a huge crowd favorite like her sister and had much of the crowd behind her even though she was playing a fellow American. Serena would win later on Wednesday night as she defeated Hungary's Melinda Czink 6-1, 6-1 in less than an hour.

Venus and Serena are also entered in the doubles and Venus has vowed to give it all she has to compete in both singles and doubles.If her injury is really bothering her she will drop out of the doubles to concentrate on singles.

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Venus knows very little about her next opponent,Magdalena Rybrikova of Slovakia. She will probably play Friday or Saturday and stick to her own game plan.

The most dangerous player in her quarter of the draw appears to be Li Na of China, a player who beat her in the Olympics.

Stay tuned.