US Open

Venus Williams advances to third round with Irina Falconi victory

Published: September 3 2015 | 02:42

Last updated: September 3 2015 | 09:21

Venus Williams recovers from a stumble in the second set to defeat Irina Falconi 6-3 6-7(2) 6-2 and progress to the third round of the US Open.

Venus Williams has recovered from a stumble in the second set to overcome Irina Falconi and progress to the third round of the US Open.

Venus Williams of the United States returns a shot against Monica Puig of Puerto Rico during her Women's Singles First Round match on Day One of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2015 © Getty Images

The two-time champion hit six aces on her way to beating 25-year-old Falconi 6-3 6-7(2) 6-2.

It was the first time ever that Williams and Falconi had gone head-to-head, and the 35-year-old appeared to have too much for her younger rival early on, breaking twice on her way to taking the first set.

World number 73 Falconi responded in the second though, breaking back her veteran opponent to save the match, before taking the tie-break that followed.

Williams looked determined to overcome her mid-match slip-up though, breaking Falconi twice before taking the second-round victory.