Belgian rivals Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters bullied their way into the French Open fourth round in Paris on Saturday.
Defending champion Henin-Hardenne bristled with aggression in a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Tathiana Garbin to avenge her defeat by the Italian in a second round shock two years ago.
Clijsters gave a belligerent display against Spaniard Anabel Medina Garrigues and eventually her greater power brought her a 6-3, 6-4 victory.
Among the men Australian Lleyton Hewitt looked impressive in a 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 win over Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty, a display the former world number one described as one of his best on clay.
Henin-Hardenne was also defending her crown in 2004 when she lost to Garbin and the fifth seed was in an unforgiving mood this time in fresh, bright conditions.
After trailing 4-3 in the first set she outclassed the 28-year-old Italian with her variation and superior use of the court in the second set, sealing victory with a neat forehand volley.
"In the first set, I have to say I thought a little bit about what happened two years ago," Henin-Hardenne said.
"I just tried to change the way I was playing and be a little bit more aggressive."
She will face 2004 champion Anastasia Myskina in the fourth round. The Russian 10th seed, who has talked about retiring if her form does not improve this year, skipped past Serbian Ana Ivanovic 6-2, 6-3.
Clijsters has twice lost in the final at Roland Garros and clay does not necessarily suit her hard-hitting style.
Medina Garrigues provided plenty of problems on centre court before the US Open champion wore her down with bulldozing groundstrokes.
"I think today was so far my best match of the tournament but I definitely think there's still improvements to be made," Clijsters said.
IMPRESSIVE HEWITT
She will play 15th seed Daniela Hantuchova in the fourth round. The Slovakian battled to a 6-3, 3-6, 10-8 win over France's Nathalie Dechy.
Hewitt will face defending champion Rafael Nadal in the fourth round if the Spaniard, who turned 20 on Saturday, wins his third round match against Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu.
Judging by his display against Hrbaty, Hewitt will give the Mallorcan a real test.
"My ball striking was great today. Right from the word go, I served as well as I've probably ever served, especially on clay," said Hewitt who is playing despite an inflamed ankle.
"It was pretty good today, it really was."
Like Nadal, James Blake will have to quell French fervour on centre court on Saturday. The last American in the men's singles plays 19-year-old Gael Monfils.
Women's 12th seed Martina Hingis also faces Ivana Lisjak of Croatia for a place in the last 16.
