Venus Williams books place in round two of US Open

Venus Williams advanced through to round two of the US Open thanks to a 6-3 6-1 victory over Bethanie Mattek-Sands this evening.

The encounter didn't get off to the best of starts for former world number one Williams, who was broken by her fellow American at the first time of asking.

However, Williams broke back to level up the score at three games apiece, before going on to win the next three games to take the first set.

Both players held their opening service games at the start of the second set.

Williams soon gained the initiative though and she won five games in succession to move into next round, where she will take on world number six Angelique Kerber.