Venus Williams makes light work of Katerina Siniakova

Venus Williams has cruised into the second round of the Italian Open after thrashing Katerina Siniakova in straight sets.

The Czech teenager failed to break her 14th-seeded opponent's serve as she was vanquished 6-2 6-2 in the space of an hour and 17 minutes.

Williams, a Rome champion in 1999 and runner-up in 1998, ended a two-match losing streak thanks to her disposal of the 19-year-old Siniakova and remains on course to claim the £1.7m prize in Italy.

The American will meet either Elina Svitolina or Flavia Pennetta in the next stage.