Serena Williams will face her sister Venus in the quarter final of the US Open after the brushed aside the challenge of fellow American Madison Keys in straight sets.
The world number one chasing calendar Grand Slam moved to within three games of securing the dream with a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 win over the 19th seed Madison Keys.
“My serve was definitely better. I also was hitting them a lot harder than I normally hit them,” Serena said. “My only chance was to start out fast. I just stayed in there and was able to relax.”
Venus has reached the US Open quarter-finals for the first time since 2010 after knocking out a 19-year-old qualifier from Estonia in straight sets.
“We’re both prepared,” Venus said. “Even though you’re playing your sister you have to be prepared and focus. The preparation doesn’t change.”
“I don’t think anyone wants to be a spoiler. I think people love to see history being made,” Venus said.
“But at the same time, you’re focused on winning your match even though the circumstances are really much different than you.”
