WORLD No1 Serena Williams scorched past experienced Slovak Daniela Hantuchova in straight sets to reach the fourth round and set a record of 61 Australian Open match wins.
The American top seed used her powerful serve to good effect as she raced through the match on another hot Melbourne day 6-3 6-3 in 80 minutes.
Williams, bidding for a sixth Australian Open crown, now faces either former world No1 Ana Ivanovic or 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur for a place in the quarter-finals.
“It was a tough match. Daniela is a great opponent so I’m really happy to come out with the win,” said Williams.
“It was hot but you have to play, you have to be ready and prepare yourself mentally. I’m excited to get through.” Hantuchova, ranked 33, was never going to be an easy opponent and she had her chances with six break points. But Williams fired down aces at crucial times, with eight in the first set alone.
The victory set a new landmark for the American veteran, who is gunning to match the achievement of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova in winning her 18th Grand Slam.
Beating Hantuchova was her 61st win at the Australian Open, surpassing the previous record set by Margaret Court, The Australian Sport informs.
