Seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams had to dig deep on Thursday to overcome Slovenian qualifier Kaja Juvan, securing a 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory to reach the third round.
The 37-year-old American, who is chasing a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, struggled early on against the world-ranked 133rd Juvan. “She played well and I started out a little slow,” Williams admitted after the match. Watched by her close friend, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, Williams eventually found her rhythm under the pressure.
Juvan, just 18, showed few signs of nerves and held her own on Court One, taking the first set 6-2. Williams, however, fought back, drawing level after a second-set win and finding her footing in the third. Despite making several uncharacteristic errors, Williams stayed composed, breaking Juvan twice before closing out the match.
“It brings the best out of me, the pressure. I play best when I am down sometimes. I am a fighter, I never give up,” said Williams, whose season has been hampered by a knee injury.
Although Juvan broke Williams’ serve late in the third set, the American closed out the match on her next opportunity, serving to love and securing her spot in the third round.
