The Williams sisters rolled back the years on Monday as both stormed to straight-set victories in the Australian Open first round.Serena, 39, thrashed Laura Siegemund 6-1 6-1 shortly after her older sister Venus, 40, powered past Kirsten Flipkens 7-5 6-2.
It was a statement win for Serena who is bidding for a record-equaling 24th career grand slam title.In truth, Serena rarely has problems with first-round matches at grand slams.
She’s lost just one of 77 in her long career and rarely looked troubled against Siegemund despite coming into the tournament nursing a shoulder injury.Serena hit 16 winners and four aces to brush aside Siegemund in 56 minutes and set up a meeting with Serbia’s Nina Stojanovic in the second round.“This was a good start.
Definitely vintage ‘Rena,’” said Serena, who is a seven-time Australian Open champion, in her on-court interview after her victory.“It’s definitely good. I think I’m pretty good at pacing myself in a grand slam.”
“I was happy just to get through it. Wasn’t sure how my serve would be after a little bit of that shoulder, but it’s feeling good, I’m feeling good.”
Recent Comments