US Open: Serena, Nadal stroll through

Defending champion Serena Williams, is through to the second round of the US Open, after Vitalia Diatchenko withdrew from their first-round match.

The world No 1 was leading 6-0 2-0, when the Russian decided to pull out due to an ankle injury in New York.

Williams will face Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands next, as she tries to become the first player to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in a season since Steffi Graf in 1988.

Rafael Nadal also showed signs of returning to his best, as he sealed a 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4 win over Borna Coric in a first-round game.

The Spaniard is having a difficult time in his career, but began his quest to win the final Grand Slam title of the year in fine style.