Venus Williams has an opportunity to make her ninth Australian Open quarter-final after storming her way into the last 16.

The five-time Wimbledon champion looked unstoppable as she thrashed Duan Ying-Ying in 59 minutes on Friday.

The 6-1 6-0 victory qualified the American veteran for her 10th fourth-round appearance during what is her 17th Australian Open.

“It’s never enough,” the 36-year-old said.

“I’ve been in the fourth round before, I’ve tasted it before.

“It’s always a great feeling because it means, hey, I have an opportunity for the quarter-finals – that’s what I’m going for.”

A gracious winner, Wiliams praised her “competitive” opponent despite running away with all but the sixth game.

“You can see that she wants to win,” Williams said.

“Having the opportunity to play this third round, play against a player of my experience, is going to be a huge stepping stone for her.”

But there was no denying Williams’ dominance.

The 36-year-old brutally attacked the serve of the world No.87, smacking six return winners and taking more than half the points on Duan’s serve overall.

Pressured only once on serve, Williams saved a break point with a precise ace down the tee.

The 2003 Australian Open finalist next faces German qualifer Mona Barthel, who disappointed the Melbourne Park crowd when eliminating local hope Ashleigh Barty on Friday night.