Serena Williams showed no signs of rust as she began her season with a comfortable 6-1, 6-4 win over Daria Gavrilova in Melbourne on Monday, to reach the Yarra Valley Classic’s round of 16.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who is warming up for the Australian Open, was at her dominant best in the opening game of the contest. She has not played since withdrawing from last year’s French Open with an Achilles injury, but made quick work of Gavrilova, striking 27 winners, including 16 in the opening set.

“It feels good to be back here,” the 39-year-old Serena, who is chasing a record-equalling 24th major, said in an

on-court interview. “I felt I was definitely composed and in the zone.”