By Chris Oddo | Wednesday January 18, 2017

 

Serena Williams worked through two tight sets to get past Lucie Safarova and into the Australian Open's third round.

Photo Source: Mark Peterson/ Corleve

It was a high-quality battle between Serena Williams and Lucie Safarova, and when the dust was settled the six-time Aussie Open champion had made yet another strong statement that she’s ready to continue her march to Grand Slam glory in Melbourne.

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Williams battled past Safarova in two tight sets, 6-3, 6-4, and cracked 15 aces while saving all six break points she faced.

It was a very solid effort against a very game opponent for Williams, who cracked 35 winners against 23 unforced injuries and covered the court exceptionally well against the diverse ground game of the Czech.

Williams was thought to have a very difficult path to the second week that pitted her against two former Top 10 players but she has dispatched both Belinda Bencic and Lucie Safarova in straight sets and she will be a very strong favorite against compatriot Nicole Gibbs in the third round on Saturday.

Bigger challenges certainly await the 22-time major champion, but for now Williams looks to be fit and focused and in the hunt.

Williams improves to 10-0 at the Australian Open and 76-10 at the Australian Open.