Serena Williams makes perfect start of the season at Yarra Valley Classic

The 23-time Major champion Serena Williams kicked off the season in strong fashion, beating Daria Gavrilova 6-1, 6-4 in the Yarra Valley Classic second round in an hour and 33 minutes.

Serena never lost serve, and Gavrilova couldn't follow that pace, hitting six double faults and experiencing three breaks that propelled Williams over the top.

Serena survived three break points in the first game to avoid an early setback and took charge after that to storm towards the set with breaks in games four and six. The second set was much more competitive, and Gavrilova was there to challenge one of the greatest players of all time. Still, the Aussie couldn't do much on the return, and Serena sailed over the top with a single break at 2-2. Serving at 5-4, Williams landed a forehand down the line winner to seal the deal and kick off the season with a win.

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