Former world number one Serena Williams of the United States showed no signs of rust as she began her season with a comfortable 6-1 6-4 win over Daria Gavrilova in Melbourne on Monday to reach the Yarra Valley Classic round of 16.
Williams, chasing a record-equalling 24th major singles title next week said she “needed the extra time” to fully recover from an Achilles injury sustained at the US Open in September.
The 23-times Grand Slam champion, who is warming up for the Australian Open, was at her dominant best after a slow start in which she saved four break points in the opening game of the contest at Margaret Court Arena.
Williams has not played since withdrawing from last year’s French Open second round in September with an Achilles injury, but made quick work of Gavrilova, striking 27 winners including 16 in the opening set.
The 39-year-old will next meet former Australian Open semi-finalist Danielle Collins who beat Nina Stojanovic 6-1 6-2.
The tournament is one of six arranged by Tennis Australia before the Australian Open, which begins February 8.
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