Chinese revolution is hit by Venus

Davenport said: "I think the United States, about four or five years ago, had about five in the top 10, which was pretty remarkable. But it seems like the Russians have come into their own in the last 12 months. They have all improved in ranking and their all round game.

"I don't see another country producing that many top players any time soon, except for China who have come a long way in developing a bunch of players. While no one is yet in the top 10 or top 20 , all of a sudden they have got, I think, five or six legitimate players in the top 100 that are improving rapidly. It seems like tennis has kind of caught on in that part of the world.

"I have heard that because of the Olympics next time around, they have put a lot of money into the game and are trying to develop these players. It seems to have really helped. Five years ago, I don't remember any player from China. Now, they hold the Olympic games doubles medal." Williams, who hasn't won a Grand Slam title since 2001, lost her opening service game and appeared in trouble. However, Williams proved that she still has the competitive spirit needed to hit herself out of trouble and if she can rekindle her old fire, then more titles could follow.

Venus and Serena Williams were supposed to maintain America's domination of the sport, but the Slams have dried up in recent years as both players have allowed acting and dress making interests to keep them away from the game. They have also been bedevilled by injury worries.

If the Williams sisters don't regain their standing in the sport, the Russians will continue to dominate the tour to the dismay of the major television networks in America.

Those executives are trying to come to terms with the nightmare scenario of constant Slam finals in which Russian and Chinese players are on screen in American households where the rush to grab the channel changer will register on the richter scale.

The leading Russian player in Melbourne, French Open champion Anastasia Myskina, stumbled into the third round with an unconvincing-6-4, 6-2 victory over unseeded Israeli Tzipora Obziler.

An erratic Myskina had trouble finding her range and rhythm as 114th-ranked Obziler took an early 3-1 lead in what should have been a fairly easy outing for the thirdseeded Russian.

Myskina and Obziler traded five service breaks between them in an untidy first set on Melbourne Park's Vodafone Arena. Despite her poor start, the Russian said she never felt in any real danger against Obziler, whose career was interrupted by a two-year stint in the Israeli army.

"I still was pretty confident. Even though I was down 3-1, I still was confident that I can win the match," said Myskina ."The shoulder has been bothering me for already a couple years, so it's nothing new really. I just have to work, I have to do some exercise. But it's going to be fine."

Myskina will meet American Lisa Raymond in the third round after the 25th seed thrashed Czech Klara Koukalova 6-0, 6-1. Raymond has dropped just two games in her first two matches.

Myskina has an answer for those who question why the Russians are so dominant at the moment She said: "We have really been working harder. We have a good competition between the Russian players and so we push each other. Like I said, behind my back are so many good girls. They push me to play every match 100 per cent every time."

Elena Dementieva, the Russian sixth seed made it into the third round, accounting for fellow countrywoman Anna Chakvetadze 6-2, 6-1 and she now plays 26th seeded Daniela Hantuchova who beat Austrian Barbara Schett 6-4, 6-0.

Schett, 28, who is retiring after the tournament but is still involved in the mixed doubles said after her last career singles match: "The decision was made in the middle of last year. I thought if I'm not improving, if the passion is not coming back, I definitely want to quit.

"I wasn't very emotional until she had match point and then suddenly I had tears in my eyes. I knew sooner or later I was going to realise this is going to be the last point of my career."

Asked if they were tears of joy or sadness, the former world No7 added: "Both. I had a great time. I think I'm very happy about my career. It's going to be something completely new now but I'm definitely going to stay involved in tennis."