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

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.