Serena and Henin triumph in Miami

By Sandra Harwitt

MIAMI, Florida (Reuters) - Holder Serena Williams, enjoying the experience of playing at home, breezed past Romanian Edina Gallovits 6-1 6-2 at the Sony Ericsson Open on Friday.

The American was joined in the third round by top seed Justine Henin, who defeated Angelique Kerber of Germany 6-4 6-2.

"I love playing here," said Williams, who lives an hour away at Palm Beach Gardens.

"I love having all my friends come and see me play and my family always come to this event. I think any time you play at home you always have that extra oomph," the eighth seed told reporters.

Williams, who has won this title four times, said being the champion provided a confidence boost.

"I more or less feel like I'm coming here trying to win the title," she said. "It definitely erases any kind of pressure."

Wearing a grey top and white skirt she described as "feminine" and "flirty", Williams dominated world number 62 Gallovits.

"It wasn't too tough a match but it was a good match to play," said the eight-times grand slam champion.