Serena powers past Linette on US Open return
Serena Williams continued her perfect record in the first round at the US Open after beating Magda Linette.
Serena Williams marked her return to the US Open with an impressive straight-sets win over Magda Linette on Monday.
The 23-time grand slam champion was too good for Linette in a 6-4 6-0 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the opening round.
Williams, who missed the major last year as she gave birth to her daughter in September, improved to an 18-0 win-loss record in the first round of her home grand slam.
The American, seeded 17th in New York, grew into her clash with Linette, who was no match for Williams.
A break of serve in the seventh game of the first set was enough for Williams to take the opener, with Linette winning just seven points against the 36-year-old's serve.
Williams took that momentum into the second set, racing into a 3-0 lead as she dominated with her power from the back of the court.
A powerful backhand winner down the line saw Williams break again for 5-0, closing out a strong victory and setting up a second-round clash against Carina Witthoft.
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWNWilliams [17] beat Linette 6-4 6-0
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORSWilliams – 22/18Linette – 9/18
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTSWilliams – 5/0Linette – 3/3
BREAK POINTS WONWilliams – 4/6Linette – 0/0
FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGEWilliams – 53Linette – 63
PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVEWilliams – 75/71Linette – 53/44
TOTAL POINTSWilliams – 57Linette – 36