Tennis Six-time champ Serena Williams, advanced into the third round of the US Open by beating Russian Margarita Gasparyan 6-2 6-4 in New York City.
The 38 year old American, has journeyed through the opening set, however discovered the world number 117 a harder proposition, within the second under the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof.
The pair broke one another twice earlier than Williams secured a vital third break within the 10th recreation to seal victory.
Williams will be facing fellow American and former champion, Sloane Stephens, who beat Olga Govortsova 6-2 6-2, in round three.
“ I am glad to get through and try to focus on the next round,” said Williams.
Serena leads Stephens in their head-to-head, 5-1. They split their first two meetings during the Australian season in 2013, with Serena winning in the quarterfinals of Brisbane.
“She’s won here before, and she’s beaten me before, so it’s not going to be easy.”Serena said.
Serena has reached at least the semifinals in her last 10 trips to Flushing Meadows.
Serena Williams continues to challenge women with her resilience