Wimbledon 2015: Serena Williams dismisses Margarita Gasparyan to reach the second round

Serena Williams plays a backhand in her win over Margarita Gasparyan in the first round

World No. 1 Serena Williams beat Margarita Gasparyan 6-4, 6-1 to book a place in the second round.

Serena got off to the worst possible start as she was broken in the first game by Margarita, who was playing her first Wimbledon. The American got back on even terms in the sixth game when she converted her second break point opportunity to level at 3-3.

Margarita was not overawed by the occasion as she hit several winners in the early goings of the match. However, Serena got her rhythm back breaking the Russian’s serve yet again to take the opening set.

Serena jumped to a 3-0 lead in the second set. The 20-time Grand Slam champion also saved three break points in the fifth game to take a 4-1 lead.

With this win, Serena equalled her sister Venus Williams in terms of match wins with 73 wins at Wimbledon.

Serena will play either Timea Babos or Petra Cetkovska in the second round.