A look at the head to head would suggest Serena would quickly make this 7-0, but after a nervous start, Safarova served well, and a break a piece saw the opening set tied at 4-4. The next two service games were held easily, before Williams made the decisive break to take the opener 7-5.

The second set was another close affair, with Safarova frequently matching Williams from the baseline. But one break of serve was enough, with the experience of Williams to wrap up the set 6-4 to progress to the quarters, and a match up against the reinvigorated Wosniacki.

Roddy Christie/ Front Page News