Serena steamrolls Maria in Australian Open return

Williams – seeking a record-equalling 24th grand slam crown – missed last year's Australian Open due to fitness issues, having given birth to her first child four months earlier.

The 37-year-old, who was involved in an ugly row with chair umpire Carlos Ramos in her US Open final loss to Naomi Osaka, completely overpowered German opponent Maria 6-0 6-2 in a one-sided first-round affair at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.

Williams made it eight consecutive victories without dropping a set in Melbourne following her 49-minute rout.

Picking up where she left off in 2017.@serenawilliams def. Maria 6-0 6-2. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/arR5jrgo3d

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2019

All eyes were on Williams and the American superstar dazzled from the outset, revealing a new outfit at the end of the warm-up, earning a roaring cheer from the crowd.

Playing in a green bodysuit, Williams' power was too much to handle for Maria as the 16th seed barely raised a sweat in the opening set, which she won in just 18 minutes thanks to nine winners.

Maria only managed five points in the first set but the 31-year-old showed signs of life in the second, claiming two games and amassing 19 points.

There was no stopping Williams, however, as she charged towards an eighth Australian Open title, with either Eugenie Bouchard or Peng Shuai awaiting in the second round.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN Williams [16] bt Maria 6-0 6-2

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS Williams - 22/11 Maria - 7/20

ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS Williams - 2/0 Maria - 3/7

BREAK POINTS WON Williams - 5/8 Maria - 0/0

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE Williams - 52 Maria - 44

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE Williams - 82/88 Maria - 55/32