Serena Williams has sailed into the third round of the Australian Open after weathering an early challenge from Russian Vera Zvonareva.
Serena Williams returns a shot against Vera Zvonareva during their second round match at the Australian Open. Photo: AFP
The former world number two broke Williams twice in the first set but the top seed broke back and took the first set 7-5.
Williams went on to dominate, taking the second set 6-0.
Her sister Venus Williams beat fellow American Lauren Davis in two sets and said she was grateful just to be playing.
"Appreciative for good health because, you know, there was a period where I couldn't even play professional tennis," she says.
"Able to feel good every day because, you know, there was a point where I didn't. To overcome that, I'm grateful."
Sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska has also advanced to the third round.
In the men's draw Novak Djokovic's Australian Open tennis campaign shifted up a gear with a 6-0 6-1 6-4 thrashing of Russian Andrey Kuznetsov to move into the third round.
The defending champion Stan Wawrinka also advanced after beating the Romanian qualifier Marius Copil 7-6 7-6 6-3.
