The top seed of the 2015 Australian Open in the women's singles, Serena Williams will battle it out against the 26th seed, Elina Svitolina in the third round at the Rod Laver Arena on Saturday.
Elina Svitolina has had to work her way through to strike a date with one of the best players in the world, as she defeated Yulia Putintseva 6-3, 7-5 in the first round and won against Nicole Gibbs in straight sets 7-6 (3), 7-6 (6).
But the story is different for the American who has cruised her way through to the third round of the tournament.
She thrashed Alison Van Uytvanc in the first round 6-0, 6-4 and defeated Vera Zvonareva in the second round in straight sets as well, 7-5, 6-0.
World number one Serena might not have started her match in a dominant fashion against Zvonareva, but she eased through after winning the first set.
''Yeah, things really clicked. I had no other option but for things to click. Yeah, I just had to start playing better,'' said Serena.
Serena is aware of the fact that she needs to be strong in future matches as the competition will soon reach the business end, where every stroke counts.
"I'm feeling better every day," she added. "I think in the beginning of the tournament every player feels a little sluggish; at least I do. Now I'm feeling like I'm starting to hopefully feel better.''
Svitolina might not be such an experienced player as compared to Serena. The Ukrainian girl turned pro in 2010 and has two WTA titles to her name.
This is her third Australian Open with a best finish of third round last year, after her 2013 performance, where she was ousted in the first round itself.
But, one could say that the Ukrainian is playing her best tennis as well, where she has attained her best ranking, 26 in the WTA circuit.
However, one wonders if her best would be enough against Serena, who is one of the hot favourites to lift the title this season as well.
The American has won 18 grand slams in her career, but she last won the Australian Open back in 2010.
Where to Watch Live
The match will be shown live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD after the Varvara Lepchenko Vs Aganieszka Radwanska match, which is scheduled for a 11 am local time (5.30 am IST, 12 am GMT, 7 pm ET) start.
Viewers in India can also catch all the match action live on livsports.in
Audience across the world can also watch Serena Williams live on the Australian Open website's live option.
