Serena Williams beats Irina Begu 7-6(6), 6-2 to reach the 2nd round at the French Open (Video)

Serena Williams saved TWO set points before emphatically taking the first, 7-6(6).

Matches at last year’s tournament in September stretched into the night on courts with new lights. But scheduled night play is new this year at Roland Garros.

Williams and Begu took the court in the twilight at 9 p.m. with the stadium stands empty. Fans are being admitted for day matches this year, but not for night sessions.

Williams struggled with her first serve but moved well and played aggressively, charging forward when she had the chance. Facing a set point in the tiebreaker, she sprinted in and from the service line whacked a nervy swinging volley for a winner.

She has won the French Open three times, most recently in 2015, and at age 39 is chasing a record-tying 24th Grand Slam singles title.

Williams improved to 77-1 in first-round Slam matches. The loss came in Paris in 2012.

 

Serena Williams saved TWO set points before emphatically taking the first for herself!

The 23-time slam winner is one set away from victory.

Watch it live tonight on @9Gem

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— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) May 31, 2021