Serena comesback on best behaviour in US Open
It was a clinical and ruthless display from Williams, who has already won the U.S. Open championship but left the tournament in disgrace at her last appearance two years ago.
She unleashed a foul-mouthed attack on a line judge and was docked a point that cost her the match against eventual champion Kim Clijsters and a hefty fine.
Williams missed the tournament last year because of a foot injury and has been out for most of this season because of health complications, including a potentially fatal blood clot on her lung.
Williams made a belated return and won lead-up events in California and Toronto to wrap up the U.S. Open series and enhance her reputation as one of the favourites to win the title.
"I'm so happy to be here. I didn't think I would make it," she said in an on-court interview. "I'm always nervous in the first round and I was nervous out there tonight.
"I think I could have played better. I was just out there."
Validates to