New York: Serena Williams began her quest for a 24th Grand Slam singles crown by crushing five-time major winner Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-1 on Monday to reach the second round of the US Open.

Serena needed only 59 minutes to rout her Russian rival, improving to 20-2 all-time against Sharapova with her 19th consecutive victory in the rivalry. "Whenever I play her I bring out some of my best tennis," Williams said. "She's such a good player. When you play her you have to be super focused."