Australian Open: Serena Williams begins with thumping one-sided win
Serena Williams made marked a return to the Australian Open in nearly two years, the way she had last left the Rod Laver Arena: with a win. On Tuesday, the American, a seven-time former champion humbled fellow mother on the Tour Tatjana Maria in straight sets 6-0, 6-2 in barely 49 minutes to move into the second round
The German struggled to settle and find her game but across the net, Williams had no such problems. Williams' powerful game left Maria with no answers for most parts of the match. Although, Maria picked herself up in the second set, holding serve twice, it was way too late for her. Williams pocketed the win on Maria's serve in the eighth game, on her second match point.
Williams' had high winning percentage margins both on her first and second serves – 82% and 88% respectively. The former world no. 1 converted five of the eight break points she had, and did not face a single break point on her own serve. She finished with 22 winners to Maria's seven and had 11 unforced errors to Maria's 20. Maria could only win 17% return points, while Williams won 42%. Williams finished the match with 54 points to Maria's 24. Williams won 77% points at the net.
Williams, who is the 16th seed and who is seeking an eighth title at Melbourne Park, awaits the winner between former semi-finalist Eugenie Bouchard, and Shuai Peng in the second round. The two will play later in the day. The Chinese player has received a wild card in the event.
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2RJf9c0
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