Melbourne, Jan 20 (IANS) Defending champion Serena Williams was on song in her Australian Open tennis tournament's second round clash, cruising past doubles specialist Hsieh Su-Wei, 6-1, 6-2 here on Wednesday.

The World No.1 took exactly 60 minutes to wrap up the contest and will next play unseeded Daria Kasatkina, the 2014 junior French Open champion.

Hsieh had no answers to the American's ruthless efficiency, saving all three break points faced and hitting ten more winners than errors (26 to 16).

"She's definitely a tricky opponent," Williams said after her win.

"It was a good match-up for me to play someone who can hit any shot at any time, and anywhere on the court. I kind of needed that. There've been some things I worked on over the off-season, so it worked out for me today."

The six-time Australian Open champion appeared at ease after a second two-set victory at the major tournament.

"Every time I come here, I always have a great time whether I win or lose. I really love this crowd, and it all started here; this is where I played my first Grand Slam, right here on this court," she added.

"I'm still going and it's really an honour."