MELBOURNE, Jan 17 (AFP): Serena Williams smashed the 39-year-old record for Australian Open wins Friday as she powered into the fourth round closely followed by China's Li Na on another scorching day in Melbourne.
The American five-time champion, making light of one of the city's worst ever heatwaves which halted play Thursday and has caused chaos in the surrounding area, dispatched Daniela Hantuchova to advance.
Li fought back from a match point against Czech Lucie Safarova to stay on course for her second straight final, and in the men's draw David Ferrer and Tomas Berdych both made it to the first weekend.
Shielded from the sun by a pink cap, the 32-year-old world number one wielded a killer serve as she overpowered the Slovak in 80 minutes, setting up a meeting with Serbia's Ana Ivanovic.
"It was hot but you have to play, you have to be ready and prepare yourself mentally. I'm excited to get through," Williams said.
Serena, Li advance in Melbourne
FE Team | Published: January 18, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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