Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic advance at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams pose with the trophies during the 2016 Australian Open official draw at Melbourne Park on January 15, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.

Top seeds Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic have started their title defences at the Australian Open with straight set victories. Williams, who is chasing her 22nd Grand Slam, defeated Italian Camila Giorgi 6-4, 7-5. It was the American’s first match since losing in the semi-final of the U.S. Open in September. But Williams says she needed those four months off.

Listen

Elsewhere, men’s world number one Djokovic beat the 19-year-old South Korean Hyeon Chung 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Former champions Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova will hit the courts later.

More from Sports News

  • Brook's defiant ton in vain as New Zealand beat England

    New Zealand overcame a blitz from centurion Harry Brook to beat England by four wickets on Sunday in the opening game of their three-match one-day international series, with Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell scoring half-centuries.

  • Bencic tames Noskova to win Tokyo title

    Belinda Bencic breezed past Czech sixth seed Linda Noskova 6-2 6-3 to win the Pan Pacific Open title on Sunday, erasing bitter memories of her straight-sets defeat by Agnieszka Radwanska in the title clash of the same tournament 10 years ago.

  • We need to find answers to stop Liverpool slide, says Slot

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot said opponents have identified a winning strategy against his Premier League champions and he needs to find a solution fast after a 3-2 defeat at Brentford on Saturday made it four league losses in a row.

  • Rohit and Kohli bid likely farewell to Australia as winners

    Rohit Sharma hit a century and Virat Kohli a bright 74 to drive India to a nine-wicket win in the third one-day international on Saturday, sending fans home happy after what are likely to be their final appearances in Australia in their country's colours.

Blogs