TENNIS: Flavia Pennetta has taken her winning record over Sam Stosur to a perfect 7-0 after beating the Australian in the US Open fourth round.

In the last match of Monday’s schedule on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Pennetta was stronger in most departments, winning 6-4 6-4.

She goes on to a quarterfinal match-up against either two-time Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova or breakout Brit Johanna Konta.

The Italian established the ascendency early, breaking Stosur’s serve in the fifth game en route to a 4-2 lead. Her backhand – especially down the line – was particularly devastating.

Stosur battled, and in the ninth game led 0-30 before gaining two break points as Pennetta attempted to serve out the set.

She couldn’t convert. Pennetta played incredibly solid tennis under pressure and forced the Australian to go for too much.

Stosur netted a backhand, and Pennetta pocketed the first set.

The stat sheet wasn’t pretty; the Australian had almost twice the unforced errors of her opponent, yet less winners.

The second set was a better story, and games went on serve longer, yet Pennetta was the one holding with more ease.

The break came in the seventh game, allowing the 26th seed to nudge ahead 4-3.

From 0-30 in the ninth game, Stosur produced some of her best tennis of the match off her serve and forehand to force Pennetta to serve for a place in the quarterfinals.

The Italian showed no sign of nerves, quickly moving ahead 40-0 and closing out victory in style with a running forehand passing shot winner.

TENNIS AUSTRALIA