Serena Williams eased past Teliana Pereira 6-2 6-1 in just 66 minutes on Suzanne Lenglen to cruise through to the third round of Roland Garros for the 13th time in her career. Williams broke three times in the first and third games to cruise to a 3-0 lead.
Pereira finally got on the scoreboard in the fifth game for 2-4 when she recovered one of the breaks back at deuce. Pereira was leading 30-0 on her serve at 2-4 but Williams rallied to get another break for 5-2. The US star earned three set points as Pereira hit a backhand pass into the net. Williams claimed the first set after half an hour as Pereira hit her forehand long.
Williams started the second set with another break and consolidated the break for 2-0. Pereira hit her only ace of the match to get on the scoreboard in the third game for 1-2 but Williams earned the double break in the fifth game.
Williams hit a backhand down the line and earned the match point with an error from Pereira.
The number 1 seed sealed her spot in the third round at Roland Garros on Pereira’s serve at her third attempt.
Williams hit 31 winners, including 22 in the first set and made just three unforced errors. Williams has not dropped a set in this tournament. Last year she won the title after being forced to the third set in five of her seven matches. In four matches she had to come back from a set down.
The US legend won her ninth consecutive match at Roland Garros and her 20th match this season. Serena will take on either Kristina Mladenovic or Timea Babos.
In a possible Round of 16 clash Williams could face Ana Ivanovic, who beat Kurumi Nara 7-5 6-1.
“I am really focused, and for me that’s what matters most. Today I played very well and I am happy to have won. ”, said Williams.
