NEW YORK -- After her disappointing flameout in Rio de Janeiro, Serena Williams highly anticipated first-round match at the US Open was a time for temperature-taking.How would her tender, 35-year-old right shoulder, the one that forced her to withdraw from Cincinnati, hold up? Perhaps more importantly, what was her state of mind entering the seasons final Grand Slam at Arthur Ashe Stadium?After her surprisingly routine 6-3, 6-3 victory over Ekaterina Makarova on Tuesday night (in 63 minutes), we can report that both the shoulder and psyche are resting comfortably.I got off to a fast start because I knew she was a really tough opponent, Serena said in her on-court interview. I definitely think its fair to call it a home court.Serena has now won 305 Grand Slam matches -- one shy of Martina Navratilovas Open era record. Roger Federer?has won 307. Williams is 64-1 in first-round matches at Slams.Here are some more takeaways from the match:Serena served smartly: She was credited with 12 aces, a healthy number, but it must be noted that the majority of those were in the low 100s. She placed the ball beautifully. Her fastest serve (not an ace) was 121 mph, a little slower than her usual highest heat. Of her shoulder, she said, Im going to have to wait until tomorrow to see. I was just happy I was able to make it out here today. Every day, Ill just see how it goes.Focus was not a problem: Some Serena fans were concerned when she drew one of the toughest unseeded players for her first-round match. Serena has been known to take some of her lesser-ranked, early-round opponents lightly, but there was no danger of that. Markarova beat her in a big spot -- the fourth round of the 2012 Australian Open -- and Serena was engaged from the beginning. She finished with 27 winners and 22 unforced errors.Makarova shrank from the moment: If anyone is equipped to stand up to Serena, its the big-hitting Russian. But forehand errors gave Serena the key break in the sixth game of the match, and Makarova finished with five double faults and four aces. Serena has now beaten Makarova at the US Open in 2012, 2014 and 2016.History continues to beckon: Its all in front of Serena in New York. She can break the Open era record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles, which she shares with Steff Graf, and tie Grafs all-time mark of 186 consecutive weeks at No. 1. A win would give Williams a staggering seven US Open titles, one more than Chis Everts total. That would be a pretty sweet cherry on the top of 2016. Ryon Healy Jersey . Marincin has played in two NHL games so far this season with two penalty minutes. The 21-year-old has three goals, four assists and a plus-5 rating in 24 games with the American Hockey Leagues Oklahoma City Barons this season. Jean Segura Jersey . DAmigo scored twice in regulation and added the shootout winner as the Toronto Marlies edged the San Antonio Rampage 5-4 in American Hockey League action. http://www.marinersrookiestore.com/Customized/ . Lack made 20 saves for his third shutout of the season as the Canucks blanked the St. Louis Blues 1-0 in the first post-Olympic game for both teams night. Randy Johnson Jersey . They were putting most of their energy into a record-setting offensive display. Guillermo Heredia Jersey . Two pressure cooker bombs exploded near the finish line of the April 15 race in an area packed with fans cheering the passing runners. Three people were killed and more than 260 injured, including at least 16 who lost limbs. Returning NBA champ Matthew Dellavedova says he still cant comprehend the scale of Clevelands celebrations in the wake of the Cavaliers breakthrough win.Dellavedova landed back in Melbourne on Wednesday after a week of revelry and recovery after Clevelands triumph.It was not only the Cavaliers first NBA title in their 46-year history but the citys first major sporting triumph in 52 years.The enthusiastic Australian relished the success but said he expected it would be the aftermath of the triumph that would stay with him forever.Strangers coming up to you, older people that are 45, 50 (years old) that havent seen a championship in their whole life, he said.Theyve got tears in their eyes as they shake your hand ... it gives me goosebumps thinking about it now.Its really hard to describe what it meant to the city of Cleveland - the outpouring of love and emotion.For the city and the team, its something that I dont know anyone had seen before.The nature of the NBA beast means he might not bask in northheast Ohios glow for much longer.ddddddddddddThe 25-year-old is a free agent and subject to the ruthless off-season trading period that could send him anywhere across the league.The Cavaliers, featuring superstars LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and JR Smith, face significant salary-cap pressures.Dellavedova said he wanted to stay with the Cavs but was wise to the realities of the system.In the NBA, you never know whats going to happen. Ive had a great three years there and I hope we can figure something out, he said.With the amount of money they pay a lot of other guys, well have to see what happens.For now, though, its all about Rio.The tenacious point guard will compete at his second Olympics in August and heads into a training camp next week ahead of the Rio tournament.I really feel like the time is right to do something special. Theres that feeling in the group, he said. ' ' '
