Williams beats rival Sharapova at US Open

KENA BETANCUR / AFP

Serena Williams has made the ideal start to her US Open campaign.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner thrashed rival Maria Sharapova in straight sets to ease into the second round.

The 6-1, 6-1 win marks her return to the tournament after last year's controversial loss to Naomi Osaka in the finals.

It's also the 19th time in a row that Williams has beaten Sharapova.

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