Result: Serena Williams wins first clay-court match of 2016 in Rome

World number one Serena Williams comes through her first clay-court match of 2016 with victory over Anna-Lena Friedsam in Rome.

Serena Williams has recorded a straight-sets victory over Anna-Lena Friedsam in her opening match at the Italian Open.

Serena Williams returns the ball to Anna-Lena Friedsam of Germany during the WTA Tennis Open tournament at the Foro Italico on May 10, 2016 in Rome© AFP

The world number one was competing in her first match since March 28 but she endured few problems in getting past her German opponent.

The American sent down seven aces and registered four breaks of serve to record a 6-4 6-3 triumph over the world number 50, who had taken her to the limit in their clash at Roland Garros in 2015.

Either Christina Mchale or Ana Ivanovic will await the 34-year-old in the third round on Thursday.

Serena Williams of the United States celebrates match point in her Women's Singles match against Anna-Lena Friedsam of Germany on day five of the 2015 French Open at Roland Garros on May 28, 2015
Read Next:
Preview: Women's French Open final
>