Venus Williams has edged past Yulia Putintseva in straight sets to reach the third round at Wimbledon.
The veteran American, who last won the competition in 2008, sent out a statement to her rivals at SW19 by thumping compatriot Madison Brengle 6-0 6-0 in the first round.
However, tonight's encounter with the Kazakhstani provided far more of a test, but one that Williams ultimately passed with a 7-6(5) 6-4 victory in just under two hours.
Nothing could separate the duo midway through the first set as both won three games apiece, but a break of serve looked like tipping the opener in Putintseva's favour as she went 4-3 ahead.
However, Williams broke back straight away as the pair held each other to a tie-break, which the five-time champion edged 7-5.
Another break by Williams in the third game of the second set contributed to a 5-3 lead, before the seven-time Grand Slam winner eventually advanced into the third round.
Shane Callaghan
