![4144big_pictureu_index.jpg](https://tennistonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/4144big_pictureu_index.jpg)
Serena rules!
The American was back to competitions after a 1 month absence to start her campaign in style. The world no.1 conceded just 3 games to the Swiss hope Belinda Bencic in a match that lasted just 58 minutes.
The defending champion will play Shuai Peng in the second round.
Among the other results, Sharapova defeated Klara Koukalova 6-1 6-2 with a very convincing performance, Ivanovic defeated Madison Key 6-1 7-6 (4) and Stephens beat Niculescu 2-6 6-3 6-2.