Serena Williams defeats Pironkova to remain on Yarra Valley Classic title course

The 23-time Major champion Serena Williams is through to the Yarra Valley Classic quarter-final following a 6-1, 6-4 triumph over Tsvetlana Pironkova in an hour and 14 minutes.

Serena lost nine points in eight service games, never facing a break point and mounting the pressure on the other side of the net. Pironkova fought well against Serena at the last year's US Open but couldn't repeat that performance today, suffering four breaks to propel Serena into the last eight.

Finding her range right from the start, Serena secured three commanding holds in the opening set and scored three consecutive breaks for 6-1 in under 30 minutes! Pironkova raised her level in set number two, especially after saving a break point at 1-2 that kept her in contention.

Untroubled on serve, Williams waited patiently for a chance on the return, and it came at 5-4. Tsvetlana fended off three match points and wasted two game points before Serena seized her fourth opportunity with a deep return that carried her through.

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