Since returning to the tour following the birth of daughter Olympia, Williams has had four cracks at claiming the elusive 24th major title that would see her draw level with the legendary Margaret Court.

The 37-year-old is inching closer, with a fourth-round exit at the French Open followed by finals defeats last year at Wimbledon and the US Open to Angelique Kerber and Naomi Osaka.

Having dispatched world No.1 Simona Halep in three sets on Monday night, Williams turns her attention to the seventh-seeded Pliskova, whom she beat in the last eight last year at Flushing Meadows.

"She's always someone that comes out and serves big and plays well," said Williams.

"I've got to return a little bit better the next day that we play, but I will be ready.

"She's ready, I'm ready. Let's do it."

Pliskova's sole victory in three previous attempts against Williams came at the 2016 US Open, en route to her first appearance in a major final.

But it is last year's loss at the same venue which is playing more on the mind of the former world No.1, who remains unbeaten in 2019 after winning the Brisbane International.

"I didn't play well in that match, so for sure it would be good revenge to play her again," said the 26-year-old Pliskova, who is through to the quarters at Melbourne Park for a third straight year.

"They are different conditions here.

"I think I'm playing a little bit better than I was last year, so I'm looking forward to it.

"She's playing very solid this tournament."

Alongside Ukrainian No.6 seed Elina Svitolina, who is also through to the last eight at the Open, Pliskova is still trying to shed the unwanted tag of "best current female player yet to win a major".

Nerves have been an issue at times for her in the past, especially at the slams, although it's something she continues to work on.

"The pressure here is a little bit bigger," she said.

"I want to play better, of course.

"You want to go far and as a seed I feel I should go far.

But I feel better, and once I step on a court, I'm not that nervous anymore."

Australian Associated Press