Serena Williams thrilled by winning start at WTA Finals

Serena Williams has expressed her delight at beating Ana Ivanovic in her opening match of the WTA Finals.

The defending champion was in dominant form on Monday, earning a 6-4 6-4 victory over the Serbian in Singapore.

"I'm really excited with how I played tonight," Williams is quoted as saying by the WTA's official website. "To see all my fans over there was really exciting - thank you so much!

"I've been working hard and am glad to be here. Today I was really fighting all the way. Ana played so well, I was just trying to fight as hard as i could. I was even losing my voice from shouting 'come on' so much!"

Monday's other match in the red group saw Simona Halep defeat Eugenie Bouchard in straight sets.