Serena serves warning to rivals

Serena Williams fired a warning to those writing off her chances by blasting into the second round of the Australian Open today.

Williams defeated France’s Camille Pin 6-1 6-1 in just 56 minutes as she began her quest for a first Grand Slam title since winning in Melbourne two years ago.

“I was a little nervous going into it but after the first game I was okay,” said the seventh seed, who was unable to defend her title last year after missing eight months following knee surgery. “I think that’s just first round nerves.”

Williams’ injury problems have seen her slip down the world rankings and her seventh place at the end of last year was her lowest since 1998.

But she warned her rivals she has not given up hope of further Grand Slam titles despite the threat posed by the new breed of players from Russia and Belgians Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters.

“I definitely wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I was a leading contender, I’d rather stay home,” the 23-year-old said.

“I always see myself as someone that’s coming here for seriousness and to win the tournament. I don’t think there’s a player out there who would see their name against mine and go ‘Oh my God, yes!’

“I feel like I’ve always said, when I’m at my best, no one can beat me. I think that’s just the bottom line.”

US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova also dropped just two games as she joined Williams in the second round, beating American Jessica Kirkland 6-1 6-1.

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova also enjoyed an easy passage into the second round, beating Sesil Karatantcheva of Bulgaria 6-3 6-1.

“I played a good solid first round match,” said the 17-year-old. “You can’t expect the best from yourself but it’s good to get through.

“My game is still a work in progress. I won a grand slam last year but I know I can’t win everything.”

In the evening match in the Rod Laver Arena, Amelie Mauresmo ended the hopes of home favourite Samantha Stosur.

Stosur was runner-up to compatriot Alicia Molik in the Medibank International in Sydney on Saturday but found second seed Mauresmo a class above in Melbourne.

The 1999 finalist recorded a 6-2 6-3 victory under the floodlights and now faces Dinara Safina, sister of last year’s men’s finalist Marat Safin, in the second round.

Former champion and 24th seed Mary Pierce crashed out however, the Frenchwoman beaten 6-2 6-2 by compatriot Stephanie Cohen-Aloro.

The biggest casualty so far in the women’s draw was 16th seed Ai Sugiyama, the Japanese player losing 7-5 6-4 to Martina Sucha of Slovakia.

Elsewhere there were wins for 15th seed Silvia Farina Elia of Italy and Russian duo Vera Zvonareva and Nadia Petrova.