Wimbledon 2019: Serena Williams wary of Riske factor at Wimbledon

Serena Williams may never get a better chance of equalling Margaret Court's Grand Slam title record of 24 with Wimbledon quarter-finals bereft of leing lights in women's tennis. 37-year-old seven-time champion is moving into something resembling her best form after an unconvincing first week but will t take Tuesday's quarter-final opponent Alison Riske lightly. That would be wise after 29-year-old American ousted world number one Ashleigh Barty in last 16. 

Barty was n followed out of tournament by third seed Karolina Pliskova, two-time champion Petra Kvitova and 15-year-old Coco Gauff.

Riske was looking forward to facing her American compatriot when she said: "Bring it on!" Williams kws Riske relatively well -- y have played doubles toger -- and is aware on grass she can hold her own as well as fact last time she faced a relatively unheralded American, Sofia Kenin at French Open, she lost.

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"She's (Riske) a fighter on court," said Williams. "She's playing really great, especially on grass. She's attacking that ball really well. She doesn't let anything limit her." 

Williams is omiusly talking up her improvement as tournament has gone on after a knee problem affected her clay court campaign.

" rust is definitely wearing off," she said.

"Most of all I feel confident that I can actually move and I don't have to, like, go for winners so soon because I'm in pain. It's like, Oh, w I can just play my game, hit shots, t have to worry about anything else. It's good when your mind is clear and you can just play." 

For Riske, reaching a first Wimbledon quarter-final is an early wedding gift ahe of her marri which takes place just after tournament.

"I'm rey for a war (with Williams). She's greatest athlete I think that's ever been on women's side," she said.

Waiting for Williams or Riske could well be Britain's French Open semi-finalist Johanna Konta, who must beat Czech veteran Barbora Strycova to reach her second Wimbledon semi-final.

Strycova, who beat Konta in ir only previous meeting, h been talking of retirement prior to her 17th Wimbledon campaign. rest of quarter-finals have just two seeds involved -- number seven Simona Halep and eighth-seeded Elina Svitolina.

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Former world number one Halep -- who has never been beyond quarter-finals at Wimbledon -- plays China's Zhang Shuai, who was close to retirement in 2015, while Svitolina takes on Pliskova's conqueror Karolina Muchova of Czech Republic.

Zhang's change of mind over retiring was down to vise from her doubles partner and close friend Australian Sam Stosur.

"That got me to thinking maybe, okay, I'm going to Australian Open one more time, one more try," she recalled of chat with Stosur.

"I'm really, really happy I tried one more time, and also we won this year in Australian Open doubles. "So life is so nice to me." 

Of all players to go out on Monday, Barty's is undoubtedly biggest boon for Williams.

Having looked so assured in first week -- and a decent bet to end nearly four deces of Australian being without a women's singles champion -- she lacked answers when required as Riske fought back to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

re was one consolation for Barty as Pliskova could have taken her number one spot but Czech third seed went out as well in a marathon duel, beaten by Muchova 4-6, 7-5, 13-11.

"It is a tough one to swallow but I lost to a better player," said Barty, who h been hoping to become first Australian champion since Evonne Goolagong Cawley won her second title in 1980.

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Muchova meanwhile can call upon star power of Hollywood Rebel Wilson, actress from Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect series of movies.

"It's crazy. She texted me last year when I beat Muguruza (at US Open). I was, like, Wow. I was surprised about that.

"Yeah, she's just super chill and super nice person.