Rome, May 16: World number one and defending champion Serena Williams cruised into the quarter-finals of the Rome masters after pounding Nathalie Dechy of France 6-3, 6-0 here at the Foro Italico. Dechy was holding her own at 3-3 in the first set, until Williams stepped up a gear and produced a stream of powerful serves and returns to win the next nine games on the trot.
Current holder of all four grand slam titles, Williams will now meet 1994 Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez in the last eight.
"I started slowly but felt better as the match went on," said the 21-year-old American.
"But you have to give her some credit as she played well in the early part of the match."
Williams said she was expecting a far tougher challenge against Martinez, winner of four consecutive Rome titles between 1993 and 1996.
Belgian number two seed Kim Clijsters eased into the last eight after a comfortable 6-0,6-3 win over Zimbabwean Cara Black. Clijsters, who lost to compatriot Justine Henin-Hardenne in the final of the German open last week, will now meet Russian eighth seed Anastasia Myskina. Bureau Report