Former world number one Serena Williams crushed Italian 27th seed Mara Santangelo 6-2, 6-1 in the Australian Open first round on Monday.

Williams, winner here in 2003 and 2005, looked rusty at the start of the match but was far too strong for Santangelo, taking the first set in 33 minutes with a few trademark booming winners from the back of the court.

"I can definitely win a third title... I'm not going to sit here and say no," said Williams, who is returning after a four-month injury layoff.

"I'm definitely looking at working my way back more than anything. I feel I have nothing to lose and the only way I can go is up."

Santangelo struggled to impose herself on the match, making a succession of unforced errors and failing to move Williams around the court.

The 25-year-old Williams, ranked 81st in the world following a succession of injury problems, sealed victory in 67 minutes.

The result meant the American remained on course for a third-round showdown with Russian fifth seed Nadia Petrova.