Li Na stopped by in-form Serena at Miami quarters

Serena Williams of the US hits a backhand to China's Li Na during their match at the Sony Open Tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, March 26, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

KEY BISCAYNE, Florida - Five-time champion Serena Williams advanced Tuesday to the Sony Open semifinals and tied the women's record for career victories in the tournament by beating No 5-seeded Li Na 6-3, 7-6 (5).

The top-ranked Williams overcame six double-faults and rallied in the second set from a 5-2 deficit. She hit six winners in the tiebreaker, including a forehand passing shot cross-court on the final point.

Williams, who won her most recent Key Biscayne title in 2008, improved to 59-7 in the tournament. Steffi Graf, another five-time champion, went 59-6.

No 3 David Ferrer advanced to the men's quarterfinals by beating No 13 Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-2.

Ferrer's next opponent will be unseeded Jurgen Melzer, who came from a set down to beat Albert Ramos 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.

China's Li Na hits a forehand shot to Serena Williams of the US during their match at the Sony Open Tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, March 26, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]