Take Five: Serena Williams

Seven-time Australian Open champion Serena Williams defeated fast-rising 18-year-old Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska, 6-2, 6-1, in 67 minutes Saturday to reach the second week of the Australian Open and remain on track to win a record 24th Grand Slam title.

Williams is set to take on world No. 1 Simona Halep next in the fourth round, after Halep defeated Venus Williams in her third-round match.

Here are five highlights from Serena Williams' post-match press conference following her win over Yastremska Down Under.

Q. Tell us what you said to [Dayana Yastremska] at the net [following the match]. And when did you notice she was really upset?

Serena Williams: As she was walking towards the net, I could tell she was quite upset. I kind of liked that. It shows she wasn't just there to play a good match, she was there to win. She wanted to win. That really broke my heart.

I think she's a good talent. It's good to see that attitude.

Q. There's a 17-year-old American that's made a big splash here. Do you know much about Amanda [Anisimova]?

Serena Williams: Yeah, I've been watching her game since last year. I thought she did really well at Indian Wells. That's when I kind of noticed her. I'm really excited to see American both men and women start to do well really, see this new generation of American players make a loud splash, a loud noise.

It's good to see Amanda. She's so serious. I love it.

Q. You are edging closer to Margaret Court's all-time Grand Slam record. Does that creep into the back of your mind at all?

Serena Williams: I've been edging closer for probably like a decade now. I'm not even dealing with that right now.

Q. If you play Halep, will this prove where your game is it, playing the No. 1?

Serena Williams: Yeah, and I honestly would love to face the world No. 1. At the same time, I would love for Venus to win. I think either way, regardless, I'll be ready for either opponent.

Yeah, it will be great. I haven't played the world No. 1 since I've been back, I don't think. So, yeah, it will be good.

Q. Do you think in a counterintuitive way that missing over a year to have your daughter has kept you in the game? Do you think you'd still be playing here right now otherwise?

Serena Williams: It's very hard to say. But I feel like a part of that is absolutely true. Kind of the time off gave me a new fire, a new purpose, a new meaning. Again, it is kind of hard to say.