Sharapova happy with serving display

Maria Sharapova was pleased with her serving display after advancing to an Australian Open quarter-final showdown with Serena Williams. The Russian was pushed in a 7-5 7-5 win over Belinda Bencic in the fourth round on Sunday, sending down 21 aces in the gruelling clash. Sharapova has served a tournament-leading 52 aces so far, as well as 17 double faults.

The five-time grand slam champion feels her display was strong against Bencic, despite putting in just 47 per cent of first serves.

Maria Sharapova was pleased with her serving display after advancing to an Australian Open quarter-final showdown with Serena Williams. The Russian was pushed in a 7-5 7-5 win over Belinda Bencic in the fourth round on Sunday, sending down 21 aces in the gruelling clash.

Sharapova has served a tournament-leading 52 aces so far, as well as 17 double faults. The five-time grand slam champion said her display was strong against Bencic, despite putting in just 47 per cent of first serves.

"I thought I served quite well," Sharapova said.

"I found my spots; hit the line many times today. That was important."

Sharapova will have to serve exceptionally well against Williams, who has won 18 of their 20 matches and the past 17 – including last year's final in Melbourne.

The 28-year-old said she was simply targeting improvement ahead of another meeting with Williams.

"It's not like I think about what I can do worse. You're always trying to improve. I got myself into the quarter-final of a grand slam," Sharapova said.

"There is no reason I shouldn't be looking to improve and to getting my game in a better position than any other previous round. It's only going to be tougher, especially against Serena."