New York: World number one Serena Williams shook off a woeful start Wednesday to advance her quest for tennis history while Rafael Nadal joined her in the third round of the US Open.


Serena Williams. Pic/AFP

Williams, trying to complete the first calendar Grand Slam singles sweep since Steffi Graf in 1988, defeated 110th-ranked Dutch qualifier Kiki Bertens 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium despite 34 unforced errors and 10 double faults.