Serena powers past Linette on US Open return

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 BREAKDOWN
Williams [17] beat Linette 6-4 6-0

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Williams – 22/18
Linette – 9/18

ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Williams – 5/0
Linette – 3/3

BREAK POINTS WON
Williams – 4/6
Linette – 0/0

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Williams – 53
Linette – 63

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Williams – 75/71
Linette – 53/44

TOTAL POINTS
Williams – 57
Linette – 36