US Open: Serena Williams beats Kristie Ahn in straight sets

AL BELLO / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Serena Williams pushed herself to a record-breaking straight-sets victory in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday.

The six-time champion did not need the help of a fan-filled Arthur Ashe Stadium to provide a lift during her 7-5 6-4 win over the 96th ranked Kristie Ahn.

Meanwhile, Karolina Muchova took advantage of an error-prone Venus Williams to advance 6-3 7-5 into the second round and hand the two-time champion her first opening-round loss at the tournament.

Muchova broke Williams to start the match and deployed a wide variety of shotmaking including a pinpoint serve, a slice backhand and some well-timed trips to the net to frustrate the former world number one.

Three-time champion Kim Clijsters, however, fell at the first hurdle in her second comeback at the US Open when Ekaterina Alexandrova rallied for a 3-6 7-5 6-1 victory.

The Belgian made a blistering start to her first singles match at Flushing Meadows for eight years but was ultimately well beaten by the Russian 21st seed.

Angelique Kerber arrived at the US Open short of match practice but the former world number one is banking on her Grand Slam experience to mount another title charge over the next two weeks.

Playing in her first tournament since January, the three-times Grand Slam champion overcame a shaky start to beat Ajla Tomljanovic in straight sets.

More from Sports

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

  • Entertainment Extra

    1:00pm - 2:00pm

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.