Serena Williams launched her latest bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam with a 56-minute demolition of Laura Siegemund at the Australian Open.
The American, 39, said it was “vintage Serena” as she thrashed the German 6-1 6-1 in front of a small, unmasked crowd on Rod Laver Arena.
Serena wins it in style 👑
The perfect start to her #AusOpen campaign with a victory over Siegemund 6-1 6-1 🇺🇸@serenawilliams | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/80MOANh6o5
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 8, 2021
.@serenawilliams was happy to hear about Tampa!@Buccaneers |#SBLV | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/4g6qzjJ6f0
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 8, 2021
But former champion Angelique Kerber was the first seed to be knocked out.
The German 23rd seed, who was one of 72 players to spend 14 days in ‘hard’ quarantine before the tournament – confined to a hotel room and unable to train outside – was beaten 6-0 6-4 by American Bernarda Pera.
She. Is. Back 🙌
It is so good to see you again @Bandreescu_ 😊#AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/kKkghbYqO8
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 8, 2021
Both Williams and Osaka had withdrawn from warm-up events last week with shoulder issues but neither showed any sign of injury as they made swift progress to the second round, where they will also be joined by Williams’ 40-year-old sister Venus, who beat Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens 7-5 6-2.
