Stosur Starts U.S. Open Title Defense With a Dominant Performance

Defending champion Sam Stosur got her 2012 U.S. Open campaign off to an auspicious start with a dominant first-round effort against Petra Martic of Croatia at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday.

Stosur needed just 51 minutes to defeat Martic, 6-1 6-1. Stosur hit 10 aces, and won the first 19 points of the match.

"I was really looking forward to getting this year's tournament started," said Stosur, following the match. "Last year was the highlight of my career, so it's really nice to come back to a place where I feel so comfortable."

The Australian, who defeated American Serena Williams in straight sets in the 2011 Final, will face the winner of Stefanie Voegele or Edina Gallovits-Hall in the second round.

Stosur is seeded seventh, and is looking to rebound from a disappointing Wimbledon and London Olympics, where she was eliminated in the second round and first round, respectively.