Serena Williams
Serena Williams is yet to win a title in 2016 Getty

Serena Williams takes on Svetlana Kuznetsova in the women's singles quarter-final clash of the Rome Masters on Friday (13 May).

Where to watch live

Match starts at 6.30pm BST. Live coverage in the UK is on Sky Sports Interactive. Click here for the live streaming link. Live scores and regular updates will be available on ATP's official website.

Overview

Serena Williams will look to put behind her a poor start to 2016 as she takes on Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in the quarter-final on Friday. The world number one surprisingly has not won a single title this year, which is also due to the fact that she has been suffering from various injuries that have limited her to playing just three tournaments so far.

The three-time Rome Masters winner will need to hit top form ahead of the her defence of the French Open title. With defending champion Maria Sharapova not here due to suspension, this presents a good time for the American to break her title drought so far this year.

svetlana kuznetsova
Svetlana Kuznetsova reached the final of the Rome Masters in 2007 and 2009 Getty

Two-time grand slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova's career graph is highlighted by ups and and downs, which shows just how inconsistent she can be. When in-form, there is no better player to watch but the Russian brings that side of her game very rarely.

The World number 19 is yet to win the Rome Masters title, finishing runner-up twice in 2007 and 2009. If she can keep her composure, Kuznetsova is capable of beating Williams, who is just coming back on the tour from illness.

Betting odds (betfair)

  • Serena Williams to win: 1/5
  • Svetlana Kuznetsova to win: 3

Head-To-Head

The duo have faced each other 11 times, with Williams winning eight of those occasions. Their last meeting was in the round of 16 clash at the 2016 Miami Masters, which the Russian won 6-7, 6-1, 6-2.

Rome Masters History

Williams and Kuznetsova have played each other once at the Rome Masters in way back in 2004 with the current world number one winning 7-5,6-0.