Serena Williams dismissed suggestions her choice of dress helped camouflage the ball during her thumping first-round Australian Open win at Melbourne Park on Monday night.

Unseeded Williams, whose miserable 2006 was marred by a serious knee injury which shuffled her well down the world rankings, whipped 27th seeded Italian Mara Santangelo 6-2 6-1 in a stunning and ominous return to form.

There were suggestions her lime-green dress - one of the fashion-conscious American's own creations - may have made life more difficult for her opponent because it was a similar colour to the ball.

But Williams said she saw no issue with the colour of her dress and dismissed any notion she would have gained an advantage because of it.

And her opponent Santangelo also defended Williams' choice of attire, saying she had no problem seeing the ball against the two-time Australian Open champion's dress.

"A lot of people now are wearing a similar colour to this," said Williams, who was followed on to centre court by Russian Marat Safin wearing a shirt in virtually the same colour.

"I wouldn't worry if someone wore that colour against me. It wouldn't affect me, and that's the attitude I take."

Instead of offering excuses, Williams' opponent said she was as in awe as most onlookers at the American's power-packed performance, which belied her unseeded status and current world No.81 ranking.

Williams has now become a hugely dangerous floater in the draw.

She faces a possible - and winnable - third round showdown with fifth seed Nadia Petrova if she can win her next match against unseeded Anne Kremer of Luxembourg.

Williams believes her fitness has improved enough to be a factor at this tournament, though taking steps towards the top 10 remain highest on her agenda in Melbourne.

"I can definitely win a third title ... I'm not going to sit here and say no," Williams said.

"I'm definitely looking at working my way back more than anything. I feel I have nothing to lose and the only way I can go is up."

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