French Open 2020 - Serena Williams roars back to beat Kristie Ahn in straight sets at Roland Garros

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 28/09/2020 at 18:24 GMT

Serena Williams responded to a slow start in superb fashion as she beat Kristie Ahn in straight sets, 7-6 6-0 to reach the second round of the 2020 French Open. It was a tough few games early on for the American, but she recovered brilliantly to win her opening match at Roland Garros in impressive fashion.

Serena Williams roared back after a sluggish start to win her French Open first-round match against Kristie Ahn in straight sets.

The American struggled with plenty of unforced errors in the opening set, but after that was able to find a good rhythm from the back of the court and progress.

Seeded number six for Roland Garros, Williams had to battle through the opening set tie-break 7-2 before she settled in and bageled Ahn in convincing fashion in the second.

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Highlights: Williams recovers to beat Ahn and reach second round

"The biggest difference was just confidence," Williams told reporters. "I just need to play with more confidence, like I'm Serena. So that was it.

"I just started playing like that, opening the court and moving and sliding. I do think her level dropped a little bit in the beginning of the second set and I took advantage of that."

Williams found herself trailing twice in the opening set, but playing against an opponent she beat at the same stage at the US Open less than a month ago, she found her groove.

The 39-year-old raced through the second set without losing a single game to wrap up victory in one hour and 41 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Williams will next take on Tsvetana Pironkova after the Bulgarian beat Andrea Petkovic in their first-round match.

"She's playing well but I am too. I'm ready to play her. She'll be ready to play me," Williams added. "It will be a long match, she will get a lot of balls back but so will I. I'll be ready."

Roland Garros represents the final opportunity this season for Williams to finally clinch a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title.

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