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Following her three-set rally in the first round of the French Open, Serena Williams stated, "This isn't the Serena I have been practicing with or that I see every day."

On Thursday at Roland Garros, that 'other' Serena showed up. Williams defeated qualifier Kurumi Nara, 6-3, 6-2, blasting 36 winners to set a third-round meeting with countrywoman Sofia Kenin.

"I think I was too nervous in my first round match. I knew I could play better and couldn't go down," Williams told Chanda Rubin afterwards. "I'm enjoying every moment and it's so amazing."

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Williams is bidding to claim her 24th major singles trophy, which would tie Margaret Court's all-time record. A three-time winner in Paris, Williams is seeking her first French Open crown since 2015, and has never faced Kenin previously.

"I know her game really well. She had a really great run in Australia, and I have been watching her," Williams said in her post-match press conference. "I think it will be a good match. She has a lot to bring to the table. She has a lot of excitement. She's so young, and she's such a good player. I'm actually looking forward to that match."

New day, new Serena: 36 winners lift three-time Paris champ past Nara

New day, new Serena: 36 winners lift three-time Paris champ past Nara

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Seeded 10th, Williams overpowered Nara throughout their encounter. The Japanese did well to save six break points for a 3-all hold in the first set, but after that, it was all Williams. The 37-year-old pounded Nara's second serve, ripping numerous forehand return winners to take hold of the match.

"I have been working on a lot of different things on my return in practice the past several months. Hopefully now it's starting to show," said Williams.

Williams did not face a break point, closing out the 67-minute victory with three consecutive aces.

New day, new Serena: 36 winners lift three-time Paris champ past Nara

New day, new Serena: 36 winners lift three-time Paris champ past Nara