NEW YORK — Playing her first match at the U.S. Open since last year’s loss in a chaotic, controversial final, Serena Williams played nearly perfect tennis and beat Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-1 in a contest devoid of drama Monday night.

Williams stretched her winning streak to 19 matches against Sharapova and now leads their head-to-head series 20-2.

“Every time I come up against her,” Williams said, “I just bring out some of my best tennis.”

Sure did this time; the whole thing lasted all of 59 minutes. Williams won twice as many points, 56-28.