Serena Williams started 2013 just how 2012 ended – with ruthless efficiency – to storm into the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International.
Williams produced her 33rd singles win in 34 matches since the start of June by wiping Frenchwoman Alize Cornet off Pat Rafter Arena in 60 minutes on Tuesday night.
Serving six aces, including a 200km/h thunderbolt, the 15-time grand slam winner continued her relentless march in typical fashion with a 6-2 6-2 victory.
World No.44 Cornet fought hard but had no answers to Williams’ awesome power and control.
The third-ranked American will now play the winner of Wednesday’s match between compatriot Sloane Stephens and Swede Sofia Arviddson, who upset Samantha Stosur in the first round.
Williams whipped through the first set in half an hour, displaying the same business-like demeanour she showed in her 59-minute first-round thumping of Varvara Lepchenko.
She broke in the fifth game of the second set and then reeled off the next three games.