Serena Williams made an emphatic return to competitive tennis at the Australian Open.

The American’s clash with fellow mother Tatjana Maria was her first outside of exhibition events since the tumultuous US Open final last September.

But, while the events of that day still generate plenty of interest, Williams is focused firmly on trying to secure that elusive 24th grand slam singles title.

This was certainly a great start, with the 37-year-old, dressed in a striking green playsuit, taking just 49 minutes to come through 6-0 6-2. German Maria won only five points in an 18-minute first set but made a better fight of it in the second.

The result extended Williams’ winning streak in Melbourne to eight matches following her title in 2017, and she said: “I think the last time I was here I was pregnant and playing, which is insane, so it’s kind of weird walking back on – by myself this time.

“I have so many wonderful memories from the last time I was here, it was literally the best match of my career.”