Wimbledon 2016: Venus Williams cruises to first-round win against Donna Vekic in under two hours as Serena prepares for opener
Five-time champion made light work of her opponent to heap the misery on Croatian sports fans in front of big crowd
VENUS WILLIAMS heaped more misery on Croatia by dumping out Donna Vekic in straight sets.
The five-time Wimbledon champ came through in one hour and 52 minutes to win 7-6 6-4.
But Serena’s big sister had to work for it as Osijek-born Vekic showed some impressive power hitting, only to struggle in the pressure moments.
The world No112 blew two sets points in the opener before collapsing in a tie break, firing a double-fault to lose the shoot-out 7-3.
Vekic also failed to capitalise on a break point at 4-3 in the second set, before being broken herself as Williams’ experience saw her through.
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It has been rough few days for Croatia supporters following their heart-breaking exit from Euro 2016 - and they will now turn their hopes to Marin Cilic and Ivo Karlovic for more success in the men’s draw.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams will be hoping to replicate Venus’ victory with a win against Switzerland’s Amra Sadikovic on Tuesday.