Serena blasts into US last eight

Flushing Meadows, New York, 27 August-9 September

Serena Williams produced her most convincing display so far at this year's US Open to beat 10th seed Marion Bartoli 6-3 6-4 in the fourth round.

The eighth seed, who has twice won the title at Flushing Meadows, began slowly, dropping her opening serve.

But she worked her way into the match against the Wimbledon runner-up and broke twice to take the opening set.

Another break at 2-2 in the second was enough to ensure victory and a possible quarter-final against Justine Henin.

Williams struggled in her opening three rounds in New York but looked in much better shape against the 22-year-old French player.

Bartoli battled bravely and served well but the 25-year-old American was simply too strong, overpowering her opponent with some fearsome groundstrokes.

Williams' return to form is timely, given that she is likely to meet arch-rival Henin in the next round.

Williams leads world number one Henin 6-5 in career meetings but has lost to her in the last two Grand Slam quarter-finals - at the French Open and Wimbledon.

Henin plays 15th seed Dinara Safina in Sunday's night-time session.

Source: BBC Sport