New York, August 31: Six-time champion Serena Williams registered a decisive win over Karolina Muchova from the Czech Republic to enter the pre-quarterfinals of the ongoing US Open. Williams defeated Muchova 6-3 6-2 after converting five of nine break points against the Wimbledon quarter-finalist. The No. 8 seed American was broken back midway through the second set, but it was an otherwise flawless display from the 37-year-old in Arthur Ashe Stadium.  Novak Djokovic Overcomes Spirited Denis Kudla to Reach US Open 2019 Last 16.

During her on-court interview after the match, Williams characterised her play as "intense."She will now face Petra Martic, the No. 22 seed from Croatia for a place in the quarterfinals. Martic defeated Anastasija Sevastova from Latvia 6-4, 6-3 to move to the fourth round. US Open 2019: Rafael Nadal Gets a Walkover in the Second Round, Simona Halep Crashes out of the Tournament.

Second seed Ashleigh Barty also entered the Round of 16 after securing a comfortable 7-5, 6-3 win over Greek 30th seed Maria Sakkari. And third seed Karolina Pliskova overcame a mid-match blip to beat Tunisia's Ons Jabeur 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2019 10:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).