New York, Aug 27 (IANS): Both Serena and Venus Williams were able to advance to the second round after earning their respective victories at the US Open first round here.

World No.1 Serena intended to win all games against former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy and almost did it. The top women's seed beat her opponent 6-0, 6-1 Monday, reports Xinhua.

Unseeded Venus upset No.12-seeded Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium 6-1, 6-2. The seven Grand Slam title holder found her own way of winning when the score got to 2-2 in the second set, clinching four straight games to take home the victory.

"My serve was a lot better today," said Venus, who will meet Chinese veteran Zheng Jie in the second round. Zheng beat Kiki Bertens from the Netherlands 6-1, 6-3. The two's only meeting was nine years ago and Venus beat Zheng then.

Fifth seed Li Na from China breezed into the second round after beating Olga Govortsova of Belarus 6-2, 6-2. It took the 31-year-old veteran only one hour and four minutes to finish the match and Li outperformed Govortsva almost in every aspect.

In men's singles, second seed Rafael Nadal of Spain defeated local talent Ryan Harrison 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. No.11 seed Kei Nishikori of Japan lost three straight sets to Daniel Evans from Britain.