Venus Williams opens Friday's US Open night session against Mandy Minella.

You can bet live in-play on the US Open at bet365

Two time champion Venus strolled through her opening match but was pushed hard by the little known Rebecca Marino on Wednesday. Venus struggled to deal with Marino's heavy serves and variety of shot and modestly commented, "It seemed like every time I had an opening she came up with a big serve, so I guess I know what it's like now playing myself." 

Venus now faces another qualifier. Minella, from Luxembourg, is ranked down at 185 but came through qualifying and her experience of battling through the heat last week helped her see off the talented Polona Hercog 6-4, 7-5 and then Wimbledon semi-finalist Tsvetana Pironkova 6-4, 6-0.

However it will be a different ball game for her against the consistent powerful hitting of Venus in front of her home fans. 

You can watch WTA Tour tennis live for free at bet365. To watch, simply follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Go to bet365 and sign-up or register (it's free)
2. Click on Sports > Live Streaming > Tennis
3. Watch WTA Tour tennis for free