SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA) – Serena Williams started her season with a comfortable 6-1 6-4 win over Daria Gavrilova in Melbourne on Monday to reach the Yarra Valley Classic round of 16.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who is gearing up for the Australian Open, was at her dominant best after a slow start. She saved four break points in the opening game of the contest at Margaret Court Arena.
Former world number one Williams has not played after pulling out of last year’s French open second round, which was held in September with an Achilles injury. He outperformed Gavrilova, striking 27 winners including 16 in the opening set.
“It feels good to be back here,” the 39-year-old Williams, who is chasing a record-equalling 24th major, said in an on-court interview. “I felt I was definitely composed and in a zone and trying to do the things I’ve been working on.”
Williams’ next is Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova, who she was likely to face at Roland Garros before her injury.
She said she was looking forward to her meeting with fellow mother Pironkova, who returned in 2020 after a hiatua.
Williams added, “It’s important for me just to see what she did and what I did and what we can both do better. I’m always rooting for her, she’s such a great story. She’s a good person.”
The tournament is one of six arranged by Tennis Australia ahead of the Australian Open, which begins on February 8.
