Serena Williams surpasses Mauresmo in battle of former champions

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It was the 10th time in 12 meetings Williams had triumphed over Mauresmo, who was troubled by a thigh injury which required treatment midway through the second set.

Williams now plays fellow-American Bethanie Mattek in the fourth round and that side of the draw is now opening up nicely for the two-time Wimbledon champion.

Power: Serena blew away Mauresmo on Centre Court

Williams said: 'I didn't play my best tennis. I was just glad I could pull through.

'I haven't been playing my best but I'm thinking positive. My volleys are benefiting from my doubles and in the second week I should do better.'

It was a match of unforced errors and wildly fluctuating fortunes, which saw four breaks of serve in the first set alone.

Neither woman could assert their authority in that first set, mistakes flowing from their rackets, one surreal smash-volley error from Mauresmo particularly shocking as she contrived to dump the ball in the net from what seemed an impossible position.

Ouit of reach: Wimbledon's 2006 ladies champion Mauresmo crashes out

Williams' serving was always the more authoritative, however, and she took the tie-break 7-5, courtesy of one brilliant attacking lob winner and several unforced errors from her opponent.

Mauresmo always faced an uphill battle when she lost her serve in the first game of the second set.

And her task became tougher when she required a medical time-out to receive treatment after the third game.

Williams coasted into a 5-0 lead before Mauresmo struck back with a string of winners to break serve. It was to no avail as a forehand crosscourt winner from Williams ended proceedings in ruthless fashion.