French Open 2010: Round 1 - - Venus Williams Through to Second Round By Overcoming Patty Schnyder And Her Own Poor Serve

Venus Williams overcame major problems with her serve by dismantling her opponent's to reach the second round of the French Open.

The five-time Wimbledon champion was broken three times by Patty Schnyder - twice to love - on Suzanne Lenglen Court. But her court coverage allowed her to break serve herself on six occasions as she ran out a 6-3 6-3 winner. The world No. 2 - who has never lifted the women's singles crown at Roland Garros - will now play either Arantxa Parra Santonja or Kurumi Nara in round two.

Williams, who had won all 10 of her previous matches with the world No. 61 Schnyder, looked capable of running away with their latest encounter when she broke in the very first game. A miserable service game saw the American immediately broken back to love, although she regained her advantage to move 3-1 ahead.

The first set appeared over when Williams served at 5-2 but Schnyder took advantage of more poor play before losing her own serve once more. The second set followed a similar pattern, Williams saving break point in game three before breaking herself. But again she instantly lost her serve to love, ultimately allowing her Swiss opponent to level.

That was as good as it got for Schnyder as Williams held and broke again before wasting several match points en route to victory.