By Erik Gudris | Tuesday, September 2, 2015
Venus Williams endured yet another three set win to advance into the third round of this year's US Open.
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Once again, Venus Williams needed three sets to move ahead at this year's US Open. Despite all her vast experience, her coach David Witt perhaps summed up her best in an interview with Pam Shriver with ESPN.
"She has moments of brilliance and moments of going away."
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The No. 23 seeded Williams did a little of both as she faced off for the first time against fellow American Irina Falconi. Williams had much more experience playing on Arthur Ashe Stadium at night. But it would not faze Falconi who was doing so for the first time.
Williams took control early in the first set. With a potent passing shot, she broke for a 3-1 lead. Yet Falconi didn't fade away. In an extended seventh game, Falconi broke back for 4-3 after Williams let a forehand sail well wide.
Williams ripped a forehand winner a game later for 5-3. The next game saw Williams stay close at net as she punched a volley winner to take the set 6-3.
Both players traded early breaks in the second set. But it was Williams' powerful serve that helped her move ahead in the set. Though Williams would serve for the set, and the match twice, errors from her and the tenacity of her opponent soon found them both in a tiebreak.
Falconi connected on several great backhands in the tiebreak to keep herself in front. With a nice serve and forehand combination, Falconi found herself in a deciding set with the two-time US Open champion.
Williams assumed control early in the third set. Williams chased down a Falconi drop shot that forced her opponent to hit a lob that went long. With that, Williams soon earned a 2-0 advantage.
Though Falconi broke back right away, she couldn't keep up the pressure. A poor service game from Falconi allowed Williams to break back for 3-1. From there, Williams stepped up her game, especially with her serving to open up a 4-1 lead.
Falconi pressured Williams in her next service game, but the veteran hung on to reach 5-2. From there, Williams continued her control as she increased her power and accuracy. Holding a match point, Williams forced Falconi to send a final forehand into the net.
With that, Williams celebrated the 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-2 win.
The victory marked the first time since 2000 at the US Open that Williams had won back to back three set matches.
"In the third set I felt like I had a lot more clarity, you know I had the crowd behind me, thank you guys," Williams said after to ESPN's Mary Joe Fernandez. "It's wonderful to have such a long career, it's a real blessing. And I try to do well. And I hope it's entertaining."
Next up for Williams is No. 12 seed Belinda Bencic who survived being down three match points before defeating Japan's Misaki Doi 5-7, 6-7(3), 6-3.