Serena Williams renews calls for equality after consoling tearful opponent Dayana Yastremska in wonderful act of sportsmanship

Serena Williams has renewed calls for a level playing field with the world’s most recognised player pushing for prizemoney parity and gender equality following her Australian Open third-round demolition.

Serena Williams was at her clinical best against Dayana Yastremska.

Bearing down on Margaret Court’s record, Serena Williams has used Australian Open third-round victory as a platform to renew calls equality on multiple fronts.

Buoyed by a ruthless 6-2 6-1 demolition of devastated Dayana Yastremska, Williams again called for prizemoney parity and gender equality.

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Her first post-match duty was to comfort distressed Yastremska — first on Rod Laver Arena and then in the locker room.

“As she was walking towards the net, I could tell she was quite upset,” Williams said.

Serena Williams consoles her tearful opponent Dayana Yastremska after their match.

“I kind of liked that. It shows she wasn’t just there to play a good match, she was there to win. She wanted to win. That really broke my heart.

“I think she’s a good talent. It’s good to see that attitude.”

Serena Williams was in superb touch against her 18-year-old Ukraine opponent.

Despite being panned for her conduct in the US Open final against Naomi Osaka, Williams will not shrink from politics.

“Yeah, well, we still are fighting for equal prize money at all events across the board,” she said.

.@serenawilliams: "She [@Venuseswilliams] still intimidates me."

You heard it here first 😂#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/7AXE6GPJTS

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2019

“I think that’s something that we’re going to continue to do, continue to fight for.

“I feel like with my platform, the things I do, the different boards that I sit on, we really talk about equality, gender equality, role equality, pay equality, how important that is.

“Bringing that into tennis, as well, is something that’s super important.

All the feels 🤗

👏 @serenawilliams #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/uNGs5rdIub

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2019

“The only way to do it is to talk about it and to be open about it, have these conversations that aren’t necessarily comfortable.

“As I always say, we have to have these uncomfortable conversations so we can start just fighting for having equality throughout.”

Dayana Yastremska put up a brave performance but was simply outclassed by the American.

The Australian Open has paid equal prizemoney for decades but there are disparities on the regular tour because of marketing forces and other issues.

Williams, 37, will play either older sister Venus or world No. 1 Simona Halep for a place in the quarter-finals.

The American concedes the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia had given her fresh career inspiration.

“I feel like a part of that is absolutely true,” she said.

Serena Williams pumps herself up after winning a point on Rod Laver Arena.

“Kind of the time off gave me a new fire, a new purpose, a new meaning.”

Williams briefly abandoned her assassin persona after mauling Yastremska, comforting the youngster.

Taking only 67 minutes to dispatch the 18-year-old Ukraine, Williams showed plenty compassion for Yastremska post-match, telling the teenager: “You’re amazing, you’re so young. Don’t cry.”

Dayana Yastremska waits to receive treatment to a foot injury.

Serena Williams screams after making a rare error during the match.

Williams, 37, is now only four wins away from equalling Court’s record of 24 grand slam singles titles.

Yastremska said Williams had “something special — not in just one area, but in everything.”

“That’s the level I want to get to,” she said. “To having something special.”