This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
On August 27, 2019, Serena Williams made a perfect return to the US Open after last year's controversy, thrashing her long-time rival Maria Sharapova in a first-round match.
Williams, 37, won 6-1 6-1 in a match that lasted just 59 minutes, breaking Sharapova's serve five times as she eased into a second-round meeting with fellow American Catherine McNally.
Twelve months ago, Williams called the umpire 'a cheat' and 'a liar' during her loss to Naomi Osaka, but the mood was rather different as she beat the 32-year-old Russian for the 19th time in a row.
When asked about the decision not to allow Portuguese umpire Carlos Ramos to officiate her matches in New York following their infamous row, Williams said: 'I do not know who that is.'
Williams and Sharapova have had a frosty relationship since they first met on court in 2003, although the American said before they were due to meet at the French Open last year that she did not have any 'negative feelings' towards the Russian.
The arena barely had an empty seat for the opening night session of the tournament, with former world heavyweight champion boxer Mike Tyson and Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin among the 24,000 fans.
Williams is bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title and a first since returning from giving birth two years ago.
