In the day's final match in the Rod Laver Arena, Serena Williams takes on Australian hopeful Ashleigh Barty.

GAME, SET & MATCH - WILLIAMS 6-2 6-1 BARTY - Williams advances into the second round of the Australian Open with a comfortable victory against the hugely talented youngster. Definitely one to look out for in the future, but, as expected, Serena breezes through.

WILLIAMS 6-2 5-1 BARTY - Isn't it amazing how the world's best players can string a few high-quality serves together when required? Serena loses the first point of the game, but serves her way out of trouble. Barty must now serve to stay in the match.

WILLIAMS 6-2 4-1 BARTY - Serena misses a couple of routine groundstrokes, taking her unforced error count to 14 in the match as Barty has the chance to avoid the bagel. The American makes her sweat, but a forehand that drifts over the baseline allows Barty to register a score in this second set. She raises both arms in celebration.

WILLIAMS 6-2 4-0 BARTY - Serena is showing her younger opponent a great deal of respect out on court. There's absolutely no let-up at all. In fact, the American is annoyed with herself whenever she misses a shot. Relentlessly, Serena moves to 4-0.

BREAK - WILLIAMS 6-2 3-0 BARTY - It's looking bleak for Barty now. Not that the Aussie is playing poorly, just that Serena is doing what she does to almost every other opponent. It's only a matter of time now...

WILLIAMS 6-2 2-0 BARTY - Serena's serving ominously, too. The world No. 1 booms her way to 40-0, but then nearly gets caughth out misjudging the flight of the ball at the net. She quickly adjusts her feet to put away the smash - letting out a Sharapova-esque squeal as she does so.

BREAK - WILLIAMS 6-2 1-0 BARTY - Barty continues to struggle with her first serve and just isn't getting the spin or depth on the second. Serena races to 0-40, punishing the Aussie, but is pegged back by some poweful ground strokes. Two is all the home-favourite can find, however, as Serena breaks at the first time of asking in this second set.

SET - WILLIAMS 6-2 BARTY - Serena powers her way to two set points with a couple of booming serves, but Barty rallies, moving the American around the court to save the first. There's nothing the 17-year-old can do about the second, though, as Serena sends an unreturnable serve down the 'T'.

BREAK - WILLIAMS 5-2 BARTY - In typical fashion, any mistake Serena mistakes is greeted by a little screech. The perfectionist makes two unforced errors in the game, but Barty double-faults twice before dumping an attempted drop shot into the tape. Serena has the double break and will serve for the opening set.

WILLIAMS 4-2 BARTY - The crowd are really getting behind their teenage hopeful, but Serena's power and tenacity are the difference between the two at the moment.

WILLIAMS 3-2 BARTY - A couple of interesting misses off the Serena return has Barty up, but a poor first serve percentage - less than 50% - allows Serena the opportunity to crush the ball into the open court following a weak second serve. Two further errors from the American gift Barty the hold.

WILLIAMS 3-1 BARTY - Unsurprisingly, Serena is overpowering 17-year-old Barty. Of course, there's absolutely no shame in that - she overpowers most opponents on the tour, regardless of their age. Barty is able to take one point off Serena, but that's due to a double fault.

If you haven't heard, Serena is the only Williams left in the draw after elder sister Venus was dumped out by Ekaterina Makarova earlier in the day. Watch the highlights here (mobile only):

BREAK - WILLIAMS 2-1 BARTY - Oh dear! Serena gets an early break. Barty starts her second service game in the worst possible way - with a double fault. And that really sets the tone for the rest of the game. A couple of errors and a delightful Serena stop-volley later, the world No. 1 has the break.

WILLIAMS 1-1 BARTY - No such problems for Serena on her opening service game, as she bludgeons her way to a hold to love. Back to you then, Ashleigh...

WILLIAMS 0-1 BARTY - The home crowd go wild as Barty wins the first point of the match. And the volume rises with each point she collects, though Serena is able to take the opening game to deuce before earning a break point. The home-favourite digs deep, however, and is able to get on the board - sealing the game with an ace out wide.