Former world number one Serena Williams has revealed that she is nowhere near the level she wants to be with the American tennis star adding that she wants to be better than when she took a break from tennis to give birth.

The 36-year-old was speaking after booking a third round spot at the ongoing French Open tournament with a 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory over Australia’s 17th seed Ashleigh Barty in what is her first Grand Slam since winning the 2017 Australian Open.

In her words, the 23-time major winner said: “I’m probably not where I was before I left.”

“I’m definitely going to get there, but I also want to get beyond there.” she added.

Williams will now face 11th seed Julia Goerges of Germany for a place in the last 16 after she defeated former French Open quarter-finalist Alison van Uytvanck of Belgium 7-5 7-6 (7-5).

The three-time French Open champion is on course to face familiar friend Maria Sharapova in the last 16.

Sharapova saw off Donna Vekic of Croatia 7-5 6-4 to book a last 32 meeting with Czech sixth seed Karolina Pliskova.

Top seed Simona Halep is also through to the next round following a 6-3 6-1 win over American Taylor Townsend.

The Romanian will face Andrea Petkovic of Germany for a place in the last 16.