Perth, Jan. 3 (PTI): Serena Williams stepped up her Australian Open preparations with a straight-sets victory over Britain’s Katie Boulter on Thursday to complete an unbeaten Hopman Cup campaign in singles.
Williams cooled off after a strong start but prevailed with a 6-1, 7-6 (2) victory in 78 minutes to level the tie between the United States and Britain in Group B.
Britain, however, won the tie when Boulter and playing partner Cameron Norrie had a comeback 3-4 (2), 4-3 (4), 4-1 victory over Williams and Frances Tiafoe in the mixed doubles.
The 37-year-old Williams’ hopes for a record third Hopman Cup title ended when the United States were eliminated after losses to Greece and Roger Federer-led Switzerland.
Hosts Australia and tournament favorites Germany will battle for a place in the decider in Group A action on Friday.
Williams slowly built momentum in her first tournament back since the U.S. Open Final in September as she eyes a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam singles title in Melbourne.
A sluggish Williams started slowly in victories over Maria Sakkari and Belinda Bencic, but breezed through the first set against a beleaguered Boulter in just 24 minutes.
Williams found her groove through an array of powerful forehand winners to overwhelm the 97th-ranked British player.
The one-sided contest took a surprising turn when Boulter broke Williams early in the second set but she was unable to consolidate on serve. Williams was made to work before putting the foot down in the tiebreak.
