New York:
Venus Williams battled blustery conditions and a bold challenge from Canadian qualifier Rebecca Marino to reach the third round of the US Open on Wednesday.
The third-seeded American won through 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 to set up a third-round tie against another qualifier, Mandy Minella of Luxembourg, who upset 32nd seed Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria.
But she was made to scrap for it all the way, especially in a first set which saw Marino, who at 19 was 11 years younger than her opponent and playing in just her second WTA Tour-level event, regularly out-hit the two-time former champion.
Williams had trouble with her serve action as the hot morning conditions on the Arthur Ashe Centre Court were joined by gusting winds in the afternoon.
Marino, behind a big serve and forehand, stayed with Williams to 3-3 in the tie-breaker, before the sole US seed this year ran off four points in a row to move ahead.
The American won three games in a row to move 4-1 up in the second set and then served out to advance into the third round.
"It was challenging, not just with the conditions, but also my opponent. She served so well and mixes up her shots," Williams said.
"It seemed like every time I had an opening she came up with a big serve, so I guess I know what its like now playing myself."