Serena powers past Linette on US Open return

Serena Williams marked her return to the US Open with an impressive straight-sets win over Magda Linette on Monday.

The 23-time grand slam champion was too good for Linette in a 6-4 6-0 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the opening round.

Williams, who missed the major last year as she gave birth to her daughter in September, improved to an 18-0 win-loss record in the first round of her home grand slam.

The American, seeded 17th in New York, grew into her clash with Linette, who was no match for Williams.

A break of serve in the seventh game of the first set was enough for Williams to take the opener, with Linette winning just seven points against the 36-year-old's serve.

Williams took that momentum into the second set, racing into a 3-0 lead as she dominated with her power from the back of the court.

A powerful backhand winner down the line saw Williams break again for 5-0, closing out a strong victory and setting up a second-round clash against Carina Witthoft.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS

BREAK POINTS WON

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE

TOTAL POINTS