Serena into US Open second round

Serena Williams started strong in her latest bid to rewrite the record books, storming past Ekaterina Makarova and into the second round of the US Open on Tuesday.

The US world number one, slowed since her Wimbledon triumph by a right shoulder injury, needed just 63 minutes to dispatch 29th-ranked Makarova 6-3, 6-3.

“I got off to a fast start because I knew she was a tough opponent,” said Williams, who delivered a dozen aces and 27 winners.

Although she appeared untroubled by her shoulder, Williams said the proof of full fitness would come later.

“I’m going to have to wait until tomorrow to see,” she said. “I wasn’t able to play much since Wimbledon. Every day, I’ll just see how it goes.”