Serena Williams matches Roger Federer with epic career milestone
Serena Williams continues to set new ground for women in the Open era.
In her opening match at Australian Open on Monday, the seven-time champion claimed the 350th win of her grand slam career after easing into the second round.
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The American star started her campaign in Melbourne in style, needing less than an hour to cruise past Russia’s Anastasia Potapova 6-0, 6-3.
The 38-year-old’s new outfit proved a major talking point for viewers but Williams made the biggest statement with a commanding display on centre court.
Williams was in dominant form from the outset at Rod Laver Arena as she opened her bid to tie Margaret Court's record of 24 major titles.
The American superstar began in blistering fashion to leave the Russian teenager stunned.
The chase for 8️⃣ is on!
Williams overpowers Potapova 6-0 6-3 in an efficient 58 minutes.#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/NnrsXqYPdl— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2020
The American’s win sees her become the first woman to reach the 350 grand slam win milestone, with Roger Federer the only other player to achieve the feat.
Williams, who already holds the record for most match wins at majors, celebrated the milestone after just 58 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
Record setter@SerenaWilliams | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/EtnoBs7Vqj
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 20, 2020
Serena Williams becomes the first woman to win 350 grand slam matches in the Open era with her win over Anastasia Potapova.
350 – SERENA WILLIAMS
306 – Martina Navratilova
299 – Chris Evert
278 – Steffi Graf
269 – Venus Williams
210 – Arantxa Sanchez Vicario#AusOpen @wwos— Brett Graham (@brett_graham) January 20, 2020
Serena joins Federer ... only 2 players in Open Era to win atleast 350 grand slam matches in their careers. 🐐🐐
— Chris McKendry (@ChrisMcKendry) January 20, 2020
Williams was flawless in the first set against her teenage Russian foe, hitting 10 winners and taking the opener in just 19 minutes. Potapova improved in the second set and even broke for a 2-1 lead before Williams responded.
Serena buoyed by Auckland title triumph
Williams grabbed a decisive break in the eighth game when Potapova sent a forehand into the net, and then completed her victory soon after.
The 38-year-old - a seven-time Australian Open champion - will face Tamara Zidansek in the second round.
A week after claiming her first-ever title as a mother, Williams swept through the first set like she was paying hourly babysitting rates.
She just doesn't stop - Serena Williams after another victory! 😮
Watch: @Channel9
Stream: https://t.co/yizqD30Pp8#9WWOS #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/DudJIxv8Fx— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 20, 2020
Potapova briefly made her sweat in the second, Williams dropping serve on a double-fault in the third game, before the 23-times grand slam champion struck straight back and advanced after just 58 minutes.
Williams had endured a three-year title drought before winning in Auckland 10 days ago in front of daughter Olympia to underline her intentions to finally match Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 singles majors in Melbourne.
"It was amazing," Williams said.
"I hadn't been able to win as a mum so it was nice to be able to win a tournament with a two-year-old.
"It was really special for me - and hopefully for her."
With agencies