Former world No.1 Venus Willams played with power and determination, thrashing young Galina Voskoboeva 6-1, 6-0 in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday, losing just one game.

The 32 years old hit 21 winners in the match compared to just 10 for her opponent and made only 10 unforced errors in her match compared to 20 for Voskoboeva.

Williams skipped last year's Australian Open due to illness and was warmly welcomed with applause as she entered the court. She had the biggest jump of any of the top players in 2012, moving from outside the top 100 to finish the year at No.24.

Williams, who has won seven major titles, said she was happy with the match statistics, particularly her serve, so early in the season.

Williams could meet second seeded Maria Sharapova in the third round, who also advanced early on Monday morning by beating Olga Puchkova 6-0, 6-0.