MELBOURNE, Australia – Maria Sharapova routed Jelena Kostanic 6-0, 6-1 Friday, advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open and a possible showdown with Serena Williams.

Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion, lost to Williams in the semifinals here last year after twice serving for the match and squandering three match points.

The pair could meet again, this time in the round of 16.

Defending champion Williams was playing no. 17 Daniela Hantuchova in the third round Friday, with the winner advancing to play fourth-seeded Sharapova.

“It’ll be great,” Sharapova said, referring to a possible showdown with Williams. “Of course I was disappointed last year. But … I’ll get my revenge.”

Sharapova maintained peak intensity throughout the 68-minute win over Kostanic in bright, warm conditions at Rod Laver Arena, lifting the pitch of her shrieks as she sprinted for every ball.

One extra loud screech brought laughter from the crowd.

“When I do that, it means I’m not going to miss the ball,” Sharapova explained.

Kostanic screamed in frustration after missing two chances to break in the fifth game of the second set – her only opportunities against Sharapova’s serve.

In other matches, top-ranked Lindsay Davenport faced Maria Kirilenko and reigning French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne played Virginie Razzano.

On the men’s side, No.2Andy Roddick downed Julien Benneteau of France in straight sets,and no.4 David Nalbandian, the Masters Cup champion, was to play Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen.

Third-seeded Lleyton Hewitt was upset 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (8), 6-2 by Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela on Thursday night.