Serena Williams: Too strong for Maria Sharapova

Serena Williams once again thrashed Russia’s Maria Sharapova in the first round of the US Open, winning 6-1 6-1, in what was clearly a dominant display by the 23 Grand Slam winner.

The duel, which was expected to be a riveting affair, turned one-sided as the 37 year-old American overpowered the 32 year-old Russian, increasing their head-to-head record to 20-2.

Five times, Sharapova tried to break Serena. She failed in all the five attempts as Serena found a way through. Serena, however, broke her six times to return the emphatic win in 59 minutes.

Sharapova: has no arsenal she can use against Williams

Both women are the biggest brands in the women’s game, but on the tennis court, the rivalry has only been on paper.

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Williams will now take on a fellow American in the second round: 17-year-old wildcard Caty McNally, who dispatched former Top 10 player Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland, 6-4, 6-1, earlier on Monday.

The Stats:

Serena: 5 aces, 2 DFs, 57% 1st serve percentage, 78% 1st serve points won, 60% 2nd serve points won, 82% returns in play, 5 of 6 break points won, 5 of 5 break points saved, 16 winners, 12 unforced errors.

Maria: 1 ace, 3 DFs, 73% 1st serve percentage, 52% 1st serve points won, 0% 2nd serve points won, 62% returns in play, 0 of 5 break points won, 1 of 6 break points saved, 6 winners, 20 unforced errors.