Williams crushes Italian Santangelo

MELBOURNE, Jan 15 (Reuters) Former world number one Serena Williams crushed Italian 27th seed Mara Santangelo 6-2 6-1 in the Australian Open first round today.

Williams looked rusty at the start of the match but was far too strong for Santangelo, taking the first set in 33 minutes with a few trademark booming winners from the back of the court.

The 25-year-old Williams, ranked 81st in the world following a succession of injury problems, sealed victory in 67 minutes.

She won the Australian Open in 2003 and 2005.

REUTERS PM DS1545