Serena Williams began her Australian Open campaign with a tough 6-4, 7-5 win over hard-hitting Italian Camila Giorgi. Williams, playing in her first competitive match of 2016 began the match quickly, racing off to a 4-1 lead in the first set. Williams broke Giorgi in two of the Italian's first three service games.
After racing out to a quick lead, Williams was broken two times to level the match at 4-4. Williams then regained the break and closed out the set at 6-4.
Second Set Opposite To The First
Though similar in score line, the second set was much different than the first. The set started with both players holding fairly easily to begin the set. Both Serena and Giorgi really took control on their service games winning respectively 94 percent of first serve points for Serena and 71 percent for Giorgi. With both players serving extremely well and reaching the peak of their service games, Williams and Giorgi held serve until the 11th game of the second set. At 5-5 Williams was able to grab the pivotal break in the second set to go up 6-5 in the second. Williams made no mistake in serving the match out, closing the match out with an ace for her first win of 2016.
Serena By The Numbers
With Serena's first win of 2016 in the books, Williams sent an astounding message on her level for the new year. Williams served well with 86 percent of first serve points and an excellent 65 percent of second serve points. The one troubling area for Williams was her low first serve percentage, only making 53 percent of her first serves. Though for a first round match, Serena looks ready to compete in 2016.
Williams is off to a good start to her campaign to defend her Australian Open title. Williams who began 2015 with her sixth Australian Open title, is looking to tie Steffi Graf with 22 Grand Slam titles in two weeks time. Williams, who ended 2015 in shocking fashion losing in the semi-finals of the US Open to Roberta Vinci, halting her quest for the Calendar Slam, has not played a competitive match since her loss to Vinci in September of 2015.
Williams Shakes Off Health Concerns
Williams started off 2016 having to pull out of Hopman Cup with inflammation in her knee. Williams seemed confident in the health of her knee at her pre-tournament press conference in Melbourne, saying her knee was at "120%."
Next Up For Serena
Williams will continue her campaign to defend her Australian Open title in the next round, playing Taiwanese player, Su-Wei Hsieh. Williams and Hsieh have never played, but rest assured Hsieh will have lots of information on her opponent. Hsieh, whose most notable success has come on the doubles court is currently ranked 90 and reached the second round in Shenzhen to being the year. Expect Serena to be much more comfortable in this matchup with the Taiwanese veteran and to cruise through to the third round.