'Just getting started', says Serena as juggernaut rolls on

Serena Williams marched into the Australian Open last 16 Saturday and warned she was still improving after taking time out to console the latest victim of her quest for a record-equalling 24th major.

Williams swatted aside Ukrainian teenager Dayana Yastremska 6-2, 6-1 in a Melbourne Park mauling that reduced the world number 57 to tears.

The 37-year-old, who is in the hunt for her first Grand Slam since having a baby, comforted the youngster at the net, telling her: "You did amazing, you're gonna make it, don't cry".

But Williams, who is in ominous form and has dropped only nine games in her opening three matches, also had a message for her rivals, saying she was not yet at the top of her game.

"I think I'm getting there. I don't feel like I'm there yet," she said. "I feel like I'm still getting there." Williams will face either sister Venus, who is unseeded this year, or world number one Simona Halep in the next round.

The 37-year-old won her 23rd Grand Slam Down Under two years ago while two months pregnant and is the bookies' favourite to claim an eighth Australian title, despite being seeded 16th.

Another major would match Margaret Court's tally and Williams is focused as she chases down the Australian great's record.

"I'm here, I'm playing as hard as I can and doing the best I can, which is really all I can do," she said.

- 'Broke my heart' -
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