Overnight in Oz - Serena Williams in sensational form, Jo Konta shows class

Updated 17/01/2017 at 08:00 GMT

Everything you need to know from the overnight action from Melbourne Park with Serena Williams looking in formidable form and Jo Konta also impressing.

Serena Williams of the US reacts after a point against Switzerland's Belinda Bencic during their women's singles match on day two of the Australian Open

Image credit: AFP

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Williams was in irresistible form as she swept aside the highly promising Belinda Bencic in almost dismissive fashion, 6-4 6-3. Seeded second, there appears little doubt that the American has now reasserted herself as the favourite for the tournament after her hugely impressive performance.

There was no question that Serena produced the shot of the day with a backhand slice winner that left the Australian Open crowd gasping in disbelief...

Australian Open

Serena utterly dominant in impressive win over Bencic

17/01/2017 at 06:56

Following her victory, her very positive state of mind was clear as she responded in a jovial manner to a fan shouting at her during her post-match interview and she was also asked about her recent engagement...

Jo Konta also showed her class in beating a tricky opponent in Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium, winning 7-5 6-2, and not allowing even surprise intruders to ruin her rhythm...

The ninth seed is expected to make another strong run in Melbourne after her historic showing last year when she reached the semi-finals and she was in fine form throughout, describing her progress as 'like a dream'...

Equally, Rafael Nadal was delighted to get back to Grand Slam action and, with fellow Spanish legend Carlos Moya now in his camp, reflected on how his obsessive practice habits have helped him regain his form...

Nadal produced some wonderful shots in beating Florian Mayer in straight sets, 6-3 6-4 6-4, but there was a clear winner with this effort bringing fans to their feet...

Monday's highlights

Britain's Jo Konta secures her place in the second round with a comfortable straight-sets 7-5 6-2 win over Kirsten Flipkens. REPORT
Serena Williams launches her bid for a 23rd Grand Slam title with a 6-4 6-3 win over Belinda Bencic. REPORT
Rafael Nadal gets his Australian Open campaign off to a very impressive start with a straight-sets 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory over Florian Mayer. REPORT
Milos Raonic loped into the second round with a comfortable 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory over Germany's Dustin Brown. REPORT
Hotly-tipped Karolina Pliskova seals a very comfortable 6-2 6-0 win over Sara Sorribes Tormo.
Britain's Kyle Edmund beats Colombia's Santiago Giraldo 6-2 7-5 6-3 to reach the second round.
Heather Watson of Britain beats home favourite Sam Stosur 6-3 3-6 6-0 in searing heat. REPORT
Alexander Zverev is made to work extremely hard in a five-set match with Robin Haase.

Furious Zverev smashes up his racquet

Britwatch

What a day it has been for the Brits with three victories and some mightily impressive performances.

Jo Konta sealed a fine straight-sets victory over Flipkens to secure her place in the second round. It was a fine win from Konta, who will next take on Japan's Naomi Osaka at Melbourne Park.

Highlights: Konta beats Flipkens in straight sets

Heather Watson downed home favourite Sam Stosur to advance in the Melbourne heat, leaving the Australian in the dust with a final-set bagel to take the victory.

Watson 'very pleased and relieved' after opening win

Kyle Edmund rounded things off in the day session with a commanding straight-sets win over Santiago Giraldo of Colombia, coping admirably in very difficult conditions.

Stat of the day

It never gets boring counting Serena's Grand Slam victories and she just continues to rack up the wins. The way she looked today in beating Bencic, you would expect her to at least make the final again this year in Melbourne.

Respect

Undoubtedly the moment which brought the most smiles to faces in Melbourne today was the victory dance from Yulia Putintseva, who let rip in memorable fashion...