MELBOURNE, Australia — The latest from the Australian Open (all times local):
2:32p.m.
Defending champion Serena Williams has won her first-round match, beating Camila Giorgi of Italy 6-4, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena.
Williams, who just missed a calendar-year Grand Slam in 2015 when she lost in the U.S. Open semifinals, was helped by 12 double-faults by the Italian player, including on break point in the 11th game of the second set to give Williams a 6-5 lead.
The 21-time major champion held her service at love in the next game, including two aces and a service winner, to close out the match in 1 hour, 45 minutes.