Serena Williams into US Open R2

Serena Williams got the defence of her US Open title off to a low-key start with an untroubled 6-4, 6-1 first round win over fellow American Alexa Glatch on Monday.

Although never in danger, the 27-year-old second seed blew hot and cold in an error-strewn match that seldom rose above the ordinary. Both players struggled to cope with the gusty conditions.

Williams jumped out into a 5-1 lead in the first set before allowing 19-year-old Glatch to close up to 5-4. Her strong serving then came to her rescue as she moved a set ahead.

Glatch, who failed to win a single match in the US hardcourt season prior to Flushing Meadows, held serve to open the second set, but two games later she was broken as Williams stepped up the pace.

There was no way back for Glatch as Williams romped away to a comfortable win.

Williams has won three of the last four Grand Slam titles and a fourth US Open win here in two weeks time would give her 12 in total, bypassing the mark of her childhood idol Billie-Jean King.

The No 2 seed will play the winner between Maria Elena Camerin of Italy and Melinda Czink of Hungary for a place in the third round.