Serena Williams begins US Open with a convincing singles win
Serena Williams began her campaign for the US Open with a convincing victory over American qualifier Francesca Schiavone, 6-2 6-2.
Williams had led 4-0 before Schiavone fought back to level the match. The American qualifier held serve for only 35% of the total points, and made 39 unforced errors, giving Williams a total of just one. When Williams served for the set, her forehand was strong, with no signs of a breakdown.
The win moved Williams four points clear of her compatriot Garbine Muguruza, who won her first Grand Slam title on Saturday. Williams began her campaign on Thursday by knocking out American qualifier Danielle Collins 6-6 (7-5) 6-4 in a first round match. That was followed on Friday by her 6-2 6-2 win over Francesca Schiavone.
Schiavone, ranked 41st in the world, moved back into the semi-finals after losing to Simona Halep in Indian Wells. She was upset by Anastasija Sevastova in round two.
Williams will hope to continue her good form when she takes on her third-seeded opponent, Karolina Pliskova, who defeated Ana Ivanovic in the third round on Friday.
She will also have to contend with third seed Caroline Wozniacki, who beat world number two Ana Ivanovic in the second round.
Williams is the favourite to win the first major for 21-year-old Williams, who has won six titles in a row since she turned professional in 2008. Wozniacki is the favourite to lift the US Open title, her fifth major.
AAP Image | Aaron Pieszczek
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