Serena fights off Azarenka, targets Sharapova

Serena Williams of the U.S.A. shakes hands with Victoria Azarenka of Belarus after winning their match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, July 7, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - The heavy hitting shook the ground and the volume would have raised the Centre Court roof, had it been closed, as Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka traded blows like a couple of prizefighters at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

A women's tournament that has seen title contenders fall feebly on the All England Club lawns, finally witnessed two grand slam champions going toe-to-toe in a thunderous encounter befitting the final, rather than the second Tuesday.

Williams eventually won 3-6 6-2 6-3 with her best tennis at this year's tournament so far to stay in line for a sixth Wimbledon title which would also complete the self-styled "Serena Slam", that is holding all four majors concurrently.

"I feel really vulnerable. I feel really vulnerable in a third set," Williams, who looked anything but, told reporters. "At that point I kind of relax and whatever happens, happens."