When prompted, Serena Williams described her fourth round opponent as “tricky” and the American branded herself as “fierce”.
Two words that can summarise the top seed’s last 16 victory over Italian Roberta Vinci, where Williams fired 32 winners en route to a 6-1, 6-3 rout.
It was a battle between two world No1s, with Williams at the summit in singles and Vinci her doubles counterpart. But the Italian is also remarkably seeded 15 in singles in Paris and has a unique game with lots of finesse.
Still Williams said she knew what to expect and did not face too much trouble as she booked her quarter-final spot, where she faces off with 2009 Roland Garros champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Taking her winning streak to 28 matches, Williams says her ongoing run is different to the ones she has had in the past.
“I think now it’s definitely really consistent. Every match I’m really focused for the whole period of time, the whole time,” said the 31-year-old. “I think I just really want it, every match.”
Kuznetsova, who beat Williams in their previous meeting in Paris four years ago, ousted No8 seed Angelique Kerber 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to make her second Grand Slam quarter-final of the season as she resumes her comeback from injury that sidelined her for six months last year.
“It will be a good match. The last time we played here she won, so that will probably get her pumped up and she’s on a comeback,” said Williams of her quarter-final opponent, Kuznetsova.
“She has nothing to lose but everything to gain. She also wants to do well – she’s won this tournament before.
“So it’s not going to be an easy match for me, and I think I have had some pretty tough matches this clay court season this year, and I think for sure this will be another one.
“But it will be a good job for me to see how I go there.”
Kuznetsova, a two-time Grand Slam champion currently ranked No39 in the world, says she is relishing a chance to take on Williams again.
The Russian said: “She’s the best in the world so far. She’s been playing unbelievable tennis.
“But I believe that I have game on my good days, as well. Let’s cross fingers I will have a good day when we play.
“She’s just a fighter. She’s unbelievable. It’s unbelievable competition to compete against her and just will try to do my best.”
READ MORE:
– American women keep up their Roland Garros charge
– Q&A: Kuznetsova taking Roland Garros and Paris in her stride
