‘Don’t cry, you’re still young’

It was all a bit overwhelming for the latest opponent who could do nothing to slow Serena Williams at the Australian Open. So Dayana Yastremska, an 18-year-old from Ukraine, found herself wiping away tears as she walked to the net.

Williams knows what it’s like to be the one weeping after a loss. She put her right hand on Yastremska’s shoulder and consoled her by saying, ‘‘You’re so young. You did amazing. Don’t cry.’’

Then they embraced, and Williams patted Yastremska on the back.

‘‘I could tell she was quite upset. 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,’’ Williams said.

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

Maybe she will be tested in the fourth round, because no one has come close to making her work too hard so far, including the 6-2 6-1 victory on Saturday.

Next up, though, is a far more accomplished player, No 1-ranked Simona Halep, who took control by reeling off six consecutive games in one stretch and advanced by beating Williams’ sister, Venus, 6-2 6-3.

After two tough three-set tussles, Halep had a much easier time of things, making only 12 unforced errors while Venus had 33. Halep played with her left thigh taped, but moved around the court well.

‘‘She played pretty flawless,’’ said Venus, who exits before the fourth round at a fifth consecutive grand slam tournament.

Looking ahead, Halep said: ‘‘It’s going to be a bigger challenge. I am ready to face it.’’

She’s lost eight of her past nine matches against Serena.

Might Venus offer her sibling any tips?

‘‘I don’t know if Serena needs my help or not,’’ Venus said. ‘‘If she does, I’ll be there.’’

Not only has Serena won every set she played this week — and 20 in a row at Melbourne Park, dating to the start of her 2017 run to the title (she sat out last year’s tournament after having a baby) — but Williams has ceded a total of only nine games through three victories.

Unlike any of Serena’s foes until now, Halep has won a major title, last year’s French Open. She’s been to three other