Seven-time former champion Serena Williams advanced to the third round of Wimbledon on Wednesday, defeating Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4. The current World No. 25 served four aces, secured three service breaks and won an impressive 84% points behind her first serve on her way to the next round.
The former World No. 1 made a superb start to the contest, holding her serve comfortably in the opening game and then went on the offensive with her returns during Tomova’s service games. Her sustained pressure ultimately paid rich dividends as a double fault from Tomova gave her an early break of serve in the fourth game.
For sure, Tomova looked a little overawed by the situation as she gifted another break point to Serena after the American flicked away a drive volley winner. Serena seized the opportunity with both hands as she grabbed the break with an excellent smash. Williams secured the all important double break with the help of her heavy ground-strokes, which had great depth and accuracy.
In 22 minutes, Serena took the opening set with a deadly mix of power and placement. Tomova had her moments with some deft winners, but failed to find the consistency from the back of the court.
The first game of the second set turned out to be a dramatic one as Tomova did exceptionally well to fend off two break points from 15-40 down. She then saved a third with a well placed serve out wide, and reeled off the next two points to dig out an unlikely-looking service hold.
However, her happiness didn’t last long as Serena chased down a couple of drop shots en route to a break to love in the third game. The 23-time Grand Slam champion then saved a break point before blasting down a couple of big serves to consolidate the break for a 3-1 lead.
In the seventh game Serena thumped a forehand winner to bring up break point. But, Tomova saved it with a big serve before holding with the assistance of a screaming backhand winner crosscourt. In the following game Serena held on to her serve easily, taking her lead to 5-3 and forcing Tomova to serve to stay in the match.
And even though Tomova survived a match point on her own serve in the next game, a determined Serena claimed victory in sixty six minutes in the ensuing game with a hold to 30.
