Serena Williams pulls US level at Hopman Cup

Serena Williams overcame a sluggish start to power past Maria Sakkari in straight-sets at the Hopman Cup on Monday in her first competitive match since melting down in the US Open final.

The 37-year-old was rusty and down an early break but did enough to record a comfortable 7-6 (3), 6-2 victory in one hour and 44 minutes in the women's singles match. The result leveled the tie between the United States and Greece ahead of the decisive mixed doubles match.

Even though both her ankles were strapped and required medical attention during the change of sets, Williams moved freely and looked sharper as the match wore on.

"It was my first match back.I was making a lot of errors," Williams said.

"It was great to be back out on match day."