Montreal Masters: Serena Williams and Heather Watson progress

Serena Williams warned her rivals that she is feeling great after the 17-time Major champion beat Sam Stosur in straight sets at Montreal Masters.

The world number one was making her return to the Rogers Cup in Montreal for the first time since reaching the final in 2000, and Williams could be on course to emulate that run after a 6-0, 6-2 victory in 58 minutes.

Williams said: “It feels great to be here. I thought I played well tonight. She’s won a Grand Slam title and she’s a really good player, so it was important for me to play well. I love it here and I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight.”

There was good news for British fans in Montreal as Heather Watson sprung a surprise to beat 10th seed Dominika Cibulkova to set up a third-round encounter with former world number one Victoria Azarenka.

The British number one, 22, edged to a thrilling 6-2 6-7 (3) 7-6 (5) victory over her Slovakian opponent after the world number 57 had won two qualifying matches to reach the main draw.

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova was in emphatic form as the second seed beat Casey Dellacqua 6-3 6-2 to join Maria Sharapova, Angelique Kerber, Caroline Wozniacki and Venus Williams in the next round.

Happy with the way I played tonight! Thanks to fans for staying after the rain. Now talking, stretching and eating :) pic.twitter.com/soBdokOZly

— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) August 7, 2014