Serena Powers Past Mattek Into Quarters at Cincy

After holding serve easily and building double break point in the second game, Williams hit a bit of a rough patch, dropping that game and then being broken to go down 2-1. But the former No.1 turned things around immediately, blasting numerous down-the-line and crosscourt passing shots against the net-rushing Mattek, eventually cruising to victory in just over an hour.

"Bethanie was playing really well," said Williams, who was playing Mattek for the first time. "Both players I've played so far have been competitive and tough."

Williams is playing just her second event of the year, having fallen third round at the Australian Open before being forced out for six months with a knee injury. In her comeback match Tuesday, she crushed current world No.11 Anastasia Myskina, 62 62, and seems to be in top form, a surprise to many who would have expected the seven-time major titlist to show some rust early in her comeback.

"I've been doing a lot of off-court work; hopefully it'll pay off, because I hate it," Williams joked. "I feel fine. I'm moving faster, but I can still get quicker. Obviously, winning these matches is one of the right steps in my comeback."

Aside from the dazzling display of aggressive tennis from Williams, the Cincinnati crowd was treated to somewhat of a fashion spectacle, particularly from Mattek, who donned lime green, knee-high socks and a matching outfit, similar to the white-colored outfit she wore at Wimbledon and in her first round here.

"I thought it was cute," said Williams of her opponent's attire. "I've worn knee-high socks before, at the French Open. I've always been for people who are different, and who use different motifs. I liked the socks and the skirt too."

Earlier in the day, three more players reached the final eight, namely Jelena Jankovic, Marion Bartoli and Vera Zvonareva. Jankovic, seeded No.5 this week, nearly blew a 5-2 second set lead but managed to close out feisty Italian Maria Elena Camerin, 64 64; No.6 seed Bartoli dropped the second set but finished strongly, winning six of the last seven games during a 62 26 63 victory over Russian qualifier Vasilisa Bardina; and Zvonareva continued her solid form of late during a 60 62 rout of Uzbek Varvara Lepchenko.

Thursday's victors join top seed Patty Schnyder, No.4 seed Katarina Srebotnik, No.9-seeded Sania Mirza and unseeded American veteran Amy Frazier in the last eight. All four quarterfinals will take the court on Friday. In the day session, beginning at 3pm, Zvonareva plays Jankovic before Srebotnik faces Bartoli. The night session, beginning at 7pm, features a double-header, with Schnyder taking on Mirza before Williams battles Frazier.

Williams gave compliments to Frazier in her post-match press conference when asked about her thoughts on the upcoming battle.

"I tell you what, she's no pushover," Williams stated. "She's been playing since I was really young, and she still looks and plays like she's really young. She's so steady. It's gonna be a tough match."
-- WTA