Serena Williams booked her place in the US Open quarter-finals with a dominant display against former world No1 Ana Ivanovic on Monday.
The American, seeded 26th because of her injury-stricken year, looked in control throughout as she powered to a 6-3 6-4 victory on a windy Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The gusty conditions caused both players to struggle with their serves and Williams, 29, afterwards admitted the wind made finding her rhythm a challenge.
“It was so windy today. It was really difficult,” said Williams. “I feel so blessed to be here. A couple of months ago, I didn’t think I would, so every match is a bonus.”
Williams will play Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia for a place in the semi-finals in New York after the 17th seed defeated French Open finalist Francesca Schiavone 5-7 6-3 6-4.
The 20-year-old Pavlyuchenkova is looking forward to taking on the former world No1, saying: “I don’t want to go out there and enjoy just being on the centre court playing against Serena. I would like to do well, try to fight, and with my effort try to beat her. But of course I respect her a lot, as well. She’s just great.