Sport
Australian Open 2013: Serena Williams dominant as she progresses to quarter finals
In windy conditions on Rod Laver Arena, the third seed pounced for the break in the fourth game, pressuring Kirilenko with deep shots to the baseline that saw the Russian put a backhand wide to lose control of the set.
Williams was routinely serving at almost 200 kilometres per hour, giving Kirilenko little chance, while proving hugely effective at the net.
She broke again to go 5-2 ahead and completed the first set rout in 29 minutes.
In a lopsided contest, Williams kept the pressure on and broke for a 2-0 lead in the second and went 4-0 in front with a powerful backhand down the line. She broke once more and is now on a 20 match win streak.
Williams, who has an eye on the first calendar-year Grand Slam since 1988, last won the Australian Open in 2010.
Copyright 2013 AFP
