Serena Williams: ‘It’s good to know I still have some power in my arms and legs’
It was a smooth start to the 2020 campaign for Serena Williams as the 23-time Grand Slam winner opened her singles season with a solid win over Camila Giorgi at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Playing in her first match since the 2019 US Open final in September, Williams brushed the Italian aside 6-3, 6-2 in only 68 minutes.
An 8th ace of the day to finish it off! No.1 seed @SerenaWilliams moves into the second round of the @ASB_Classic! 6-3, 6-2 over Giorgi in one hour and eight minutes. pic.twitter.com/jKwhownmz7
— WTA (@WTA) January 7, 2020
The top seed, who started the tournament by teaming up with good friend Caroline Wozniacki in the doubles, broke Giorgi’s serve three times and served eight aces.
“I’ve always had really tough matches against Giorgi. The doubles really helped because got to come out here and play a little bit in these conditions and get used to them,” the American told Sky Sport NZ.
“It’s really good to know that I still have some power left in my arm and my legs and everything. It felt really good.”
Williams will face fellow American Christina McHale, who beat qualifier Ann Li 7-5, 6-2, in the second round while 15-year-old Coco Gauff could be a quarter-final opponent.
Second seed Petra Martic had to dig deep before winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 against Usue Maitane Arconada while Wozniacki beat Paige Mary Hourigan 6-1, 6-0.
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
US OpenDominic Thiem on Emma Raducanu’s US Open win: ‘It’s one of the greatest achievements in women’s sport’
“Perhaps it is the greatest breakthrough of all time,” says Dominic Thiem.
-
US Open‘Unfair that Novak Djokovic is always the bad guy and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the good guys’
“I hope he is treated a little more fairly,” says Boris Becker.
-
Tennis NewsVenus Williams explains backstory behind photo with Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova at Met Gala
Just Venus, Serena and Maria enjoying a laugh in the bathroom at the Met Gala.
-
News‘I think it’s gradually sinking in a bit more,’ says Emma Raducanu after ‘whirlwind experience’
The teenager took part in a round of breakfast TV and radio interviews.
-
WTA Tour‘People are talking about tennis again,’ revels Boris Becker after ‘Dame Emma Raducanu’s’ heroics
Boris Becker waxes lyrical about Emma Raducanu.
-
Tennis NewsTennis to introduce ‘Stefanos Tsitsipas bathroom break rule’ following Greek’s lengthy loo visits?
Stricter rules on the cards following furore over Stefanos Tsitsipas’ loo breaks.
-
Tennis NewsLTA chief insists Emma Raducanu will not lose focus after stunning rise to the top
Lloyd has called for the newly-crowned US Open champion to be given “breathing space”.
-
Tennis NewsEmma Raducanu delighted to return back in the UK and reunite with her father
Raducanu was pictured outside her house after travelling back from New York.
-
Kevin PalmerIntroducing Wilson’s Blade v8 racket Emma Raducanu could use at the Australian Open
Emma Raducanu is set to be wielding a new-look weapon when he plays at the Australian Open in January.
-
Tennis NewsShock defeat for Andy Murray as he is beaten in Rennes
The Russian is ranked 42 places below Murray.