Serena Williams v Dominka Cibulkova
Serena Willliams and Dominka Cibulkova do battle for the fifth time on Wednesday. Getty Images

Serena Williams faces Dominika Cibulkova in the Australian Open quarter-final in Melbourne.

Where to watch

Williams v Cibulkova is live on British Eurosport HD and BBC Radio Five Live Sports Extra from 1.30am.

Preview

Arguably the standout contest of the last eight in the women's draw at the Australian Open sees record-chasing Williams face Slovakian pocket-rocket Cibulkova.

Williams' run to the quarter-final has been anything but simple, with dropped sets against Elina Svitolina and Garbine Muguruza in the last two rounds contributing to a lacklustre campaign in Melbourne.

After overcoming former Wimbledon semi-finalist Kirsten Flipkins in round one, Cibulkova has stormed into the latter stages, with an impressive dismantling of the returning Victoria Azarenka in the last-16 an indication to her form Down Under.

Though Williams' strategy often revolves around overpowering her opponents, Cibulkova - despite standing at just 5ft 3in - is as big a hitter as any player on tour and will stand up well to the American's attempts to use her physical dominance.

However, that policy has worked well in each of the pair's four meetings, with Williams dropping just a single set in each of her four victories over Cibulkova and she remains the overwhelming favourite to set up a potential meeting with sister Venus in the last four.

What they said

Serena Williams: "Well, she is a really good player. I mean, to be her size, she hits so hard and she plays so well. She's just such a power, compact, great player. I just have to stay focused and not underestimate her. She actually almost beat me before. I want to make sure I come ready and prepared."

Dominika Cibulkova: "Yeah, you know, it's nice to be here. But it's not only about the place. It's also about the timing of the tournament. You know, the beginning of the year I always feel fresh. I always feel good from the off-season. I always work really hard. Obviously everybody is working really hard in the off-season, but that's what gives me the confidence. That's how I feel good on the court."

Betting odds (source: William Hill)

Serena Williams 1/5 v Dominika Cibulkova 9/2

Head-to-head record: Williams 4-0 Cibulkova. Last match Brisbane Open (Hard) Williams bt Cibulkova 6-3 6-3

Previous meetings at the Australian Open: N/A

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