Key Biscayne, FL – Five-time champion Serena Williams was a come-from-behind fourth-round winner Monday at the $4.195 million Sony Open tennis event.
The world No. 1 superstar clawed back in order to beat game 13th-seeded Slovak Dominika Cibulkova 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 on the hardcourts at Crandon Park. Williams trailed 2-6, 1-4 before mounting one of her trademark comebacks in 1 hour, 57 minutes, as the American great swatted 14 aces, including a match-ending one, en route to victory.
Williams swept the final five games of the second set and went ahead to stay by breaking serve at love for a 2-1 lead in the final stanza.
The reigning Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion has appeared in seven Sony Open finals, including three straight titles from 2002-04 and back-to-back championships in 2007 and 2008.
Williams' quarterfinal opponent will be dangerous Australian Open runner-up Li Na of China. The fifth-seeded Li advanced with a 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 victory over surprise Spaniard Garbine Muguruza on Day 7.
Fourth-seeded and defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska fought back for a quarterfinal berth by besting 16th-seeded American and Aussie Open semifinalist Sloane Stephens, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0.
Also, 30th-seeded Belgian Kirsten Flipkens overcame Croat Ajla Tomljanovic 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 6-3 to reach the round of eight.
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