Serena advances to Aussie Open 2nd round after thumping Potapova

Serena Williams won the first set in 19 minutes and had a momentary lapse at the start of the second but completed a 6-0, 6-3 win over Anastasia Potapova. The eighth-seeded Williams is attempting to win her record 24th Grand Slam singles title. Williams had her service broken in the second game of the second set after cruising through the first. But she broke Potapova's serve two games later, her fifth successful break in six attempts.

Williams won last week's Auckland tournament.

''I hadn't been able to win as a mom, so it was nice to finally be able to win a tournament with a 2-year-old now,'' Williams said. ''''I've been pretty close but it was special for me and for her. I hope for her.''