Serena Williams storms into French Open third round

In fact, the main obstacle to the world No.1’s safe passage was her opponent’s battle cry with every shot – a noise regularly stretching beyond three syllables.

Williams will next play either Kristina Mladenovic, who beat Timea Babos 6-4 6-3.

The American’s relentless serve and groundstrokes proved too much for the 27-year-old Brazilian, who was probably relieved to vacate Suzanne-Lenglen with three games from their 66-minute encounter.

Defending champion Williams needs one more Grand Slam title to equal Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of 22.