Serena back with a win

Williams: Winner

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Serena Williams began her season with a three-set win over Lucie Safarova as the United States cruised past the Czech Republic in the Hopman Cup.

Williams, the Australian Open champion, beat Safarova 6-0 2-6 7-5 little more than 24 hours after arriving Down Under.

Her place in the opening match of the tournament was taken by Meghann Shaughnessy as she delayed her arrival due to a minor injury.

But Williams showed no sign of either injury or jetlag as her powerful serve carried her to victory.

Williams' better ground strokes got the better of Safarova in the opening set, but the American lost her way in the second, allowing her opponent to force a decider.

Determination

However, she showed her usual grit and determination to secure the win that

set the United States on their way, but the Czechs were unable to complete the match after Tomas Berdych suffered an injury.

The world number 14 was forced to retire after the first set of the doubles rubber, which Williams and Mardy Fish won 6-0, and was unable to face Fish in the final singles rubber.

Having beaten India in their opening match, the United States are now in a strong position to reach Friday's final.

Afterwards Williams admitted that her win had been a struggle, despite appearances in the first set.

"Lucie's a very good player - I wasn't feeling really motivated and I felt like I wasn't moving at all," she said.

"I was able to pick up my game at the right time. She had a chance to go 5-2, and I was able to bring it through. That is really satisfying and very pleasing."