Williams labours to win

Serena Williams edged her way into the second round of the US Open as she continued her quest for an elusive and record- equalling 24th grand slam singles title in New York.

T h e 3 8 - y e a r - o l d , w h o needs one more trophy to match Margaret Court’s alltime record, was forced to hit back from an early break down in both sets before seeing off American compatriot Kristie Ahn.

In doing so, six-time champion Williams won her 102nd career match at the US Open, surpassing the previous record she shared with Chris Evert.

Even with six of the world’s top ten players absent, Williams’ 7-5, 6-3 win in just under one-and-a-half hours did not exactly inspire confidence that Flushing Meadows will provide that historic platform in little under two weeks’ time.