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AAP
AAP
Sport
John Salvado

Serena Williams into third round at Open

Serena Williams has powered into the third round of the Australian Open. (AAP)

History-chasing Serena Williams has stormed into the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-0 triumph over Nina Stojanovic from Serbia.

Stojanovic had her moments, especially in the first set, before being inevitably overpowered by the No.10 seed in 69 minutes.

The 24-year-old Serb had claimed her maiden win at a major two days earlier against Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu.

"She pushed me really hard and played really well honestly throughout the whole match," said the 39-year-old Williams.

"I had to really fight for all the games.

"It's always good to see young players like her come out and do so well - it's exciting for women's tennis."

Four years after beating older sister Venus in the 2017 final at Melbourne Park for her 23rd grand slam singles title, Williams remains one short of Margaret Court's Open era record of 24.

Williams' third-round opponent will be Russian teen Anastasia Potapova, who ousted Hungarian qualifier Timea Babos 6-2 6-4 earlier on Wednesday.

Williams and Potapova also met in the opening round last year at Melbourne Park, with the American emerging victorious 6-0 6-3.

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