Tennis news - Victory for Serena Williams, but US fall to Greece in Hopman Cup

Updated 31/12/2018 at 12:05 GMT

Serena Williams began her 2019 season with a singles win over Maria Sakkari - but the USA still lost their Hopman Cup tie to Greece.

Serena Williams

Image credit: Getty Images

The 23-time Grand Slam champion had her ankle heavily strapped, but came past the young Greek 7-6(3), 6-2.

“It’s great to be back out in match day, and it’s great to be back out here,” Williams said.

“I love playing in Australia. Some of my best memories are here.

“It was my first match back (today), she played unbelievable. Maria is super young and such a good player.

“I was making a lot of errors. I was like, ‘It’s ok, it’s your first match and you’ll get better’. I just kept trying to think that.”

Serena's team-mate Frances Tiafoe had earlier lost his singles match to Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-6, 7-6(3), 3-6.

The Greece pair formed a formidable duo in the mixed doubles, taking an impressive three-set victory 4-1, 1-4, 4-2.

Greece 2-1 USA

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