LONDON, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Seven-time singles champion Serena Williams of the United States and reigning world number one Ashleigh Barty of Australia continued their pursuit for Wimbledon titles with winning performances in the third round.
Williams, though hampered for much of this season by injuries, strived forward at the All England Club.
The 37-year-old American produced her most convincing display in dispensing with German Julia Goerges 6-3, 6-4.
Barty extended her winning streak to 15 matches as she defeated British wildcard Harriet Dart 6-1, 6-1 to make the last 16 for the first time at Wimbledon.
The newly crowned French Open champion was not put to stern test in the 52-minute match, except for the sixth game in the second set, where she had to save four break points being 40-0 down.
Williams and Barty could book a sensational clash in the quarterfinals if both of them fend off their opponents in the fourth round.
Elsewhere, No. 6 seed Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic had a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Magda Linette of Poland. Elise Mertens of Belgium will make her first ever fourth round appearance at the Championship after outperforming Wang Qiang of China, 6-2, 6-7 (9), 6-4.
