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'Absolutely brutal': Serena Williams 'slaughters' Maria Sharapova at US Open

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor

Serena Williams has wiped Maria Sharapova off the court in a stunning first-round statement at the US Open.

Serena blitzed her long-time rival 6-1, 6-1 in just 59 minutes, handing Sharapova her first opening round loss at Flushing Meadows in 13 appearances.

It was their first match-up at the New York grand slam.

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While Williams is seeded No. 8 and was a finalist last year in Flushing Meadows, Sharapova is far off the form that carried her to No. 1.

With the win, Williams improves to 20-2 all time against Sharapova and 8-1 in grand slam play, with Sharapova’s only grand slam victory in the rivalry coming in the 2004 Wimbledon final.

The loss means Sharapova will drop out of the world’s top 100.

Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, pictured here during their US Open clash.
Serena Williams brutalised Maria Sharapova. Image: Getty

Serena continues Sharapova dominance

The 32-year-old has failed to find the form that saw her win five grand slams since her return, and was ranked 87th in the world heading into the US Open, leading to a random pairing with Williams.

Sharapova was active early, finding answers for some of Williams’ blistering serves, while holding serve on her first chance. But Williams quickly asserted her dominance, breaking Sharapova on her second chance to take a 3-1 lead.

Sharapova would not win another game in the opening set as Williams’ serve proved too dominant, leading to quick points and game winners.

Williams broke Sharapova in the opening game of the second set to affirm that the opening set was no fluke.

Serena Williams, pictured here in action against Maria Sharapova at the US Open.
Serena Williams in action against Maria Sharapova. (Image: KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty Images)

Sharapova held serve to win the third game of the set to ensure that Williams wouldn’t sweep the rest of the match.

She then threatened to break Williams trailing 2-1 in the second set. But Williams battled back from down 40-15 to win the game and shut down Sharapova’s best chance of getting back into the match.

The loss is Sharapova’s first in the opening round at the US Open in 13 appearances.

Williams advances to face American Catherine McNally in the second round on Wednesday.

with Yahoo Sport US