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Serena Williams has taken inspiration from fellow US sporting legends en route to the second round of the Australian Open, where she is chasing an eighth title.

Serena Williams drew inspiration from two fellow American sporting legends - Tom Brady and Florence Griffith-Joyner - as she powered into the Australian Open second round in commanding fashion.

Williams took less than an hour to sweep aside German Laura Siegemund 6-1 6-1, showing no signs of the shoulder injury which saw her withdraw late in the Yarra Valley Classic lead-in tournament.

She stumbled on serve in the first game but then reeled off the next 10 en route to victory, blasting 16 winners to set up a second round meeting with Serbian world No.99 Nina Stojanovic.

The seven-time champion donned a brightly coloured one-legged catsuit on Rod Laver Arena and said later the outfit was a tribute to the late Griffith-Joyner - known as Flo-Jo - a track legend who still holds the 100m and 200m world records she set in 1988.

The Olympic champion died 10 years later after suffering an epileptic seizure in her sleep, aged just 38.

"I was inspired by Flo-Jo, who was a wonderful track athlete, amazing athlete when I was growing up," Williams said.

"Watching her fashion, just always changing. Her outfits were always amazing."

Williams was eager to get off the court to catch the end of the Super Bowl and watch legendary quarterback Tom Brady, who is 43, win his seventh championship; this time with Tampa Bay.

"It's unbelievable - my only word is it's unbelievable," said Williams, who is chasing her own slice of history as she tries to equal Australian great Margaret Court's record of 24 grand slam singles titles.

"He's amazing in action.

"To be competing ... at 43 is unheard of and it's super inspiring for me at my ripe young age of 30-something."

The 39-year-old, who is seeded 10th at Melbourne Park, had withdrawn from the Yarra Valley Classic semi-final against Ash Barty citing concerns over her shoulder but did not appear hindered in the one-sided affair which she described as "vintage 'Rena".

"I wasn't sure how my serve would be after a little bit of that shoulder, but it's feeling good, I'm feeling good," Williams said.