After a blistering 2013 season, record-seeking Williams is keen to get off to hot start in Melbourne

Serena Williams is gunning to match Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova by winning an 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, with her blistering form suggesting she can reach the milestone.

The world No 1 cemented her dominance of the sport with 11 titles last year, including the US and French Opens.

And she picked up where she left off by winning the Brisbane International last Saturday, beating reigning Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka in the final, with her powerful serve proving the difference.