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.

Williams, who also finished No. 1 in 2002 and 2009, has won nine titles this season, including the French Open and U.S. Open. She has a record of 67-4 this year.

The 32-year-old Williams returned to the No. 1 spot in February, when she became the oldest player to top the rankings.

She is the seventh player to finish at least three seasons at No. 1, along with Steffi Graf (eight times), Martina Navratilova (seven), Chris Evert (five), Lindsay Davenport (four), Justine Henin (three) and Martina Hingis (three).