Eighth seed Serena Williams enjoyed a brisk workout on her return from injury with a 6-4 6-1 win over Michaella Krajicek in the second round of the Italian Open on Tuesday.

The Australian Open champion, playing in her first tournament since pulling out of Charleston with a groin strain last month, came from a break down to take the first set.

Williams's confidence grew in the second set and after earning a break point with a drive-volley winner in the fourth game, a Krajicek double fault handed her the advantage.

She broke again in the sixth game and went on to close the match with an ace.

"I came out a little flat. I don't think I warmed up outside enough and she started really well," Williams said courtside.

Asked how she felt after coming back from injury, the American replied: "I'm feeling I'm playing okay right now.

"I'm just really pleased this wasn't a really easy opening match. I need as much practice as I can get right now."

Williams was the only player involved in a second-round match on a day when most of her rivals were still playing first-round games.

Fourteenth seed Patty Schnyder enjoyed an easy win, sweeping aside Vasilisa Bardina 6-1 6-2.

Slovenian 15th seed Katarina Srebotnik also went through to the second round with a 6-4 6-2 win over Germany's Martina Mueller.