Serena Williams recorded another straightforward win over China's Shuai Peng. Mutua Madrid Open 2014

Serena Williams recorded another straightforward win over China's Shuai Peng on a day when fourth seed Simona Halep had to work hard to overcome Spain's Lara Arruabarrena. 

The Mutua Madrid Open is well underway, and the top seeds continue on their path towards the latter stages of the tournament. The winner of the last two editions, Serena Williams, and fourth seed Simona Halep both booked their places in the last 16 on Wednesday after wins over Shuai Peng and Lara Arruabarrena respectively. Serena Williams recorded her 14th consecutive win at the Mutua Madrd Open as she swept China’s Shuai Peng aside 6-2, 6-3. 

The American took no prisoners and from the off was better than her opponent. A break at the start of the enounter put the world number one on her way to another win in Madrid, and makes it through to the last 16, where she will face the winner of the clash between Carla Suárez and Alison Riske. Romania’s Simona Halep will also be there, although it will be her first time in the last 16 in Madrid. The fourth seed had to work hard to overcome home favourite Lara Arruabarrena 6-4, 6-4. After starting comfortably, with the scoreline at 3-0 in her favour, it seemed that Halep was in for a stroll, however four straight games for her opponent saw the scoreline turn on its head. The Romanian had to step up her level and eventually overcame Lara Arruabarrena, who goes away having left a good impression on the Mutua Madrid Open. Halep’s next opponent will be the winner of Sabine Lisicki versus Irina-Camelia Begu.