Serena Williams dispatched her most recent bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam with a 56-minute thrashing of Laura Siegemund at the Australian Open.
39 year-old Williams ‘wrecked’ the German 6-1 6-1 on the Rod Laver Arena.
Williams began on an unyielding note against Siegemund, twofold blaming on the first point of the match prior to losing her initial service game. But after some minutes, Williams discovered her balance and came into the game hard.
She hit 16 winners and four aces against 51st-positioned Siegemund, setting up a second-round gathering with Serbia’s Nina Stojanovic.
Williams wore a one-legged, dark, pink and red catsuit, which she later said was a recognition for late American olympic track and field icon Florence Griffith-Joyner.
As indicated by Williams, she was inspired by Flo-Jo, when growing up. She liked her for her astonishing fashion sense even on the field.
Williams will be joined by the second round by Osaka and her sister Venus, who beat Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens 7-5 6-2.
Osaka will play France’s Caroline Garcia next, while the senior Williams sister faces veteran Sara Errani.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Errani beat 30th seed Wang Qiang, who paralyzed Williams in the third round a year ago, 2 6-4 6-4.
