Australian Open: Serena sizzles, Stosur fizzles

Serena Williams made light of scorching conditions and doubts over her form as she got off to sizzling start, while Samantha Stosur crashed out after losing 3-6, 6-3, 0-6 to world No. 86 Heather Watson

American Serena Williams exalts after her 6-4, 6-3 win over Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in Melbourne yesterday. Pic/AFP

Melbourne: Serena Williams made light of scorching conditions and doubts over her form as she got off to sizzling start, while Samantha Stosur crashed out after losing 3-6, 6-3, 0-6 to world No. 86 Heather Watson.

Samantha Stosur

Williams, back after an injury lay-off, demolished the dangerous Belinda Bencic 6-4, 6-3. "It was one of the toughest first-round matches I've ever played," said Williams. "Right now I've got nothing to lose. Every match, every tournament I'm playing for fun," she added.

Meanwhile, Sotsur said: "I've (comeback) before, I've done it many times before," the world No.17 told reporters, adding there's "obviously things I need to improve" and "need to do it quickly" in the belief she'll make it back to the top. "I still feel like I've got good tennis in me, I don't feel like it was all bad today or it was a big disaster," Sotsur said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!