Serena Williams downs Sharapova at US Open

NEW YORK - Serena Williams beat Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-1 in their US Open first round match on Monday night, extending her winning streak against the Russian to 19 matches.

Williams and Sharapova have played each other 21 times since 2004, with the American now holding a 20-2 head-to-head win-loss record. Sharapova has not beaten Williams since winning Wimbledon and the WTA finals in 2004.

"Every time I come up against her, I just bring out some of my best tennis," Williams said afterwards.

The contest lasted just 59 minutes, with Williams saving all five break points she faced.

"I've had a lot of tough matches here and a lot of tough losses," the American told the crowd, "but coming out here tonight makes it all worthwhile."

Williams' next match is a second round tie against 18-year-old rising star Caty McNally.