AGENCIES: Serena Williams made the perfect return to the US Open after last year’s controversial final by thrashing her long-time rival Maria Sharapova.

Williams, 37, won 6-1 6-1 in a first-round meeting which ended up lasting just 59 minutes.

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.

Eighth seed Williams, who is bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title and a first since returning from giving birth two years ago, broke Sharapova’s serve five times as she eased into the second round at Flushing Meadows.

“Obviously, I’m going against a player who has won five Grand Slams and reached the final of even more so I knew it would be tough,” said the American, who will face compatriot Catherine McNally in the second round.

“I was super intense and super focused because it was an incredibly tough draw.

“Whenever I come up against her I play my best tennis.”