Despite being tested, five time Sony Open champion Serena Williams posted a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Japan’s Ayumi Morita in the third round in Miami.

This was the second career meeting between these ladies. Earlier this year, in Australia, the two clashed in the third round with Williams comfortably prevailing 6-1, 6-3.

Double faults were Williams undoing her initial service game resulting in the donation of a break. Morita went on to consolidate for 3-0. Soon though, the world number one found her game and rolled off six games in a row to capture the opening set.

The second set, Morita ultimately found a bandage to stop the hemorrhage and terminated Williams’ run at seven consecutive games.

However, down 2-3, following a service winner by Williams, Morita committed a miscue to stare at double break point. When the Japanese’s forehand volley sailed wide, Williams secured the break for a 4-2 advantage.

With Williams serving for the match, Morita battled to 30 all thanks to a net cord return winner and a sensational dropshot winner. It was all for not though as Williams struck an ace to get to match point. She converted on a mistake by her opponent.

Caroline Wozniacki, the ninth seed and former world number one, was upended 6-2, 6-4 by 19 year old wildcard entrant from Spain Garbine Muguruza. Seventh seed Petra Kvitova was shown the exit by Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens.

Sloane Stephens also advanced to the fourth round as Venus Williams pulled out of their match due to a back injury. Defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska held off Magdalena Rybarikova in three sets.