Simona Halep has brushed aside Venus Williams with ease in a 6-2 6-1 victory to reach the quarter-finals of the Italian Open.

Williams snatched serve just once in the first set as Halep dominated the clay court to break serve three times in their third-round match.

After taking a one-set lead, Halep did not sit back as she grabbed an early double break, leaving Williams with a mountain to climb.

Last year's French Open finalist wrapped up the match with another break point and comfortably sealed her place in the final eight.