NEW YORK: Serena Williams showed herself to be a serious contender despite her year of inactivity by trouncing 16th seed Ana Ivanovic of Serbia 6-2 6-4 to reach the US Open fourth round on Sunday.
Williams, playing her fourth tournament of 2006 after struggling with a knee injury, needed just 66 minutes to beat 18-year-old Ivanovic, who won the Montreal hardcourt tournament this year.
Seven-times Grand Slam winner Williams issued a wildcard into the tournament and currently ranked only 91 due to her absence from the tour, was broken once in the match.
Twice Open winner Williams, 24, will meet top seed Amelie Mauresmo in the round of 16.
