Venus Williams won her first-round match at the 2012 U.S. Open on Tuesday, defeating fellow American Bethanie Mattek-Sands in straight sets.
Williams dominated the match, winning 6-3, 6-1, and needing just 62 minutes to dispose of Mattek-Sands. Though Williams only served five aces, she did hit 22 winners, compared to Mattek-Sands' six.
Williams, who is not seeded in the tournament, will take on German Angelique Kerber, the No. 6 seed, in the second round.
In 2011, Williams lost in the second round at the U.S. Open. Williams did advance to the semifinals as recently as 2010, however.
Williams, who won the U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001, will look for another magical run in New York, but faces an uphill battle as she continues to return from illness and injuries.
For the latest on all things tennis, be sure to check out SB Nation's tennis hub throughout the 2012 U.S. Open.
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