NEW YORK (US) – In the second round of the US Open on Thursday, Serena Williams trounced Russia’s Margarita Gasparyan 6-2 6-4, continuing her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.
Serena sailed through the first set at Arthur Ashe Stadium, closing out the first game with one of seven aces. She broke her rival’s serve in the second game to take an early lead of 2-0.
Apart from a single double fault and the trio of unforced errors, Serena, 38, displayed little signs of weakness and she finished off the set in 35 minutes.
With Gasparyan, 26, going on the offensive, the second set witnessed a shift in momentum. The unseeded Russian, who is a six-time champion, committed four double faults.
She drew Serena to the net and propelled a forehand pass winner whizzing by her. Gasparyan forced the American into an error on the next point to break her serve and bring the lead to 3-2.
Although Serena broke her serve and retaliated, Gasparyan was firing on all cylinders and eventually the scores were tied 4-4.
Despite the absence of cheering fans, Serena fought her way back, managing to close the 16-point game and retake the lead 5-4.
“It wasn’t that frustrating,” Serena said after the match.
