Tennis star overcomes Giorgi at Aus Open

Serena Williams showed no signs of a knee injury as she overcame Camila Giorgi in the Australian Open first round.

The American world number one, under an injury cloud heading into the year's first grand slam, was in control throughout a 6-4 7-5 win on Rod Laver Arena on Monday.

Williams, a 21-time grand slam champion, has had limited match practice due to knee inflammation during the Hopman Cup.

But the defending champion was too good for hard-hitting Italian Giorgi, the highest ranked unseeded player in the draw.

Williams showed plenty of emotion in the big moments despite rolling out to a 4-1 lead in the first set.

Giorgi managed to stay with Williams until the 11th game in the second set, but the latter broke thanks to a double fault before closing out her win.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Williams [1] bt Giorgi 6-4 7-5

ACES

Williams - 9

Giorgi - 7

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Williams - 19/22

Giorgi - 17/32

BREAK POINTS WON

Williams - 3/10

Giorgi - 1/1

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE

Williams - 53

Giorgi - 45

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE

Williams - 86/65

Giorgi - 65/48

TOTAL POINTS

Williams - 79

Giorgi - 59