It must have helped, because she came out hot, as her sister Venus and their mother applauded at courtside.
With opponent Victoria Azarenka liking a fast pace, there were no high, looping moon balls here, just power tennis. And when it comes to power, Williams may be the best.
Her serve was working particularly well, with 15 aces and a stretch of seven service games in which she yielded only six points.
She credited physiotherapy treatment she had on her shoulder before the match.
Azarenka played well, but she never had a serious chance. She had no break points, and every time she made a mistake, Williams capitalized.
"I feel pretty good about where I am," she said. "Hopefully, I'll peak later in the tournament."
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