Serena Williams got the defence of her US Open tennis title off to a low-key start with an untroubled 6-4 6-1 first round win over fellow American Alexa Glatch in New York.
Although never in danger, the 27-year-old second seed blew hot and cold in an error-strewn match that seldom rose above the ordinary. Both players struggled to cope with the gusty conditions.
Williams has won three of the last four Grand Slam titles and a fourth US Open win in two weeks time will give her 11 in total, equalling the mark of her childhood idol Billie-Jean King.
The number two seed will play the winner between Maria Elena Camerin of Italy and Melinda Czink of Hungary for a place in the third round.
