Reuters

Serena Williams showed no signs of rust as she began her season with a comfortable 6-1 6-4 win over Daria Gavrilova in Melbourne on Monday to reach the Yarra Valley Classic round of 16.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who is warming up for the Australian Open, was at her dominant best after a slow start.

Former world number one Williams has not played since withdrawing from last year’s French open second round in September with an Achilles injury. “It feels good to be back here,” the 39-year-old Williams, who is chasing a record-equalling 24th major, said. “I felt I was definitely composed and in a zone and trying to do the things I’ve been working on.”