Serena powers into third round of China Open

Beijing: World No. 1 Serena Williams served 10 aces in a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Italy's Francesca Schiavone on Tuesday that moved her into the third round of China Open.

It was Williams' third straight-set victory against her Italian opponent on a hard court this year following wins at the US Open and Toronto Open.

Williams hit six aces in the first set before Schiavone fought back in the second set and broke the American's serve three times. Williams responded with breaks of her own to clinch the victory.

Williams' chances of winning the tournament were boosted by the surprise loss of defending champion Victoria Azarenka on Monday.