Paris: World number one Serena Williams lost the first seven points against Shahar Peer before starting up the engine and racing past the Israeli 6-2 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals of the French Open on Monday.
The American immediately dropped her serve on Centre Court as Peer made a strong start but the 18th seed was left gasping for air as Williams blasted her way to the opening set in under half an hour.
Peer made up for an early break in the second but it proved too big an effort as she conceded the last three games, the final one to love on her own serve after one hour and seven minutes.
Next in line for Williams will be either Australian seventh seed Samantha Stosur or four-times champion Justine Henin, the 22nd seed.
"This year my game is better, I hope I am going to win. I live here, I love Paris, it's a wonderful city," the 2002 champion told a stunned crowd as she responded to a courtside interview in French.
She returned to her native language: "I'm very happy (Henin) is playing again. I would love to play her here, she's a great champion, I hope to do good."
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