Australian Open: In clash of generations, Serena Williams beats Yastremska

Compared to her two previous opponents, Dayana Yastremska pushed Serena Williams the most at the 2019 Australian Open but it still was not enough as the American came up with a cool 6-2, 6-1 win to move into the fourth round on Saturday.

The Ukrainian seemed overwhelmed at the momentousness of the occasion in the earlier stages of the opening set and Williams capitalised on the teenagers nerviness to gain an early lead in the match. As the set progressed, Yastremska settled enough to hold serve twice but was not able to thwart Williams from winning the set.

The second set saw the 18-year-old start off a little more confidently as she held her opening service game. But the set turned around as errors from Yastremska coupled with Williams experience and superior game saw her quickly gain a double break advantage.

A bad fall on her ankle also added to Yastremskas problems and she was forced to take a medical time-out in the latter stages of the second set. Williams gained her first match point at 30-40 on Yastremskas serve in the sixth game of the second set but an error from her racquet ensured Yastremskas survival in the match.

However, Williams made no mistake two points later as she converted a second match point to advance to the second week. As the two players embraced at the net, Williams consoled her younger opponent who was in tears after emotions got the better of her, adding to the significance of the match.

Williams finished the match with 20 winners to Yastremskas 14, and exactly half as many unforced errors as the Ukrainian 13 to 26. For the match, the former world no. 1 finished with 60 points to her opponents 38.

She next awaits the winner between Simona Halep and Venus Williams, who are scheduled to play in the night session on Saturday. Photo Credit: Ben Solomon (Tennis Australia)