America's Serena Williams was the target of a racist heckler at the Sony Ericsson on Monday, but held her nerve to record a third round victory over Czech Lucie Safarova.
Late in her 6-3, 6-4 win over Safarova, the three-times champion in Miami complained to chair umpire Joan Vornbaum about the verbal abuse being directed at her by a spectator, who she said had been harassing her the entire match.
"The guy said, 'Hit the net like a Negro would'," Williams told reporters.
"I was shocked. I couldn't believe it. I had to do a double take. I think I hit a double fault at that point."
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