Serena Williams started her Australian Open title defense in blistering fashion by dismissing Jarmila Gajdosova in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 on Monday.
Last year’s champion needed only sixty-two minutes to win the first tennis match of the 2008 Grand Slam.
Before today’s match, Serena said she was happy with her preparation for the new season and had been training daily.
“I’ve been just training every day and just getting out there on the court every day,” said Serena in her pre-tournament press conference. “I like my preparation this year.”
Her level of preparation was evident, although she lost her serve twice in the short encounter. Serena’s fitness has improved, she is much slimmer, and kept her play clean with only fifteen unforced errors.
Williams will await Ekaterina Ivanova or Meng Yuan in the second round.
On another note, I’d like to encourage those of you with ESPN360 access to take advantage of the online live streams. Being able to watch six courts alongside the television coverage has already proven to be a big hit for me.
It was a solid match for serena, but Gajdosova was crushing the ball! I’ve never seen a player hit the ball that hard! Gajdosova is really a player to look out for.
I agree Will – she was pounding that ball!
I had never watched Gajdosova before tonight, but it looks like she’ll be a breath of fresh air for Australia’s struggling tennis program.
Great win by the american! Those first rounders always present themselves with tension and nerves. Serena had never played this girl before and I think was a little shocked, just a little, at how hard the ball was coming back! I know I was.
Nonetheless, Serena gathered herself and put it away. Well done.
Is it me or does this surface allow for more service breaks. Seems like all the women are experiencing that.