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By Chris Oddo | Monday June 27, 2016

 
Venus Williams and Madison Keys took care of business on Day One.

Venus Williams and Madison Keys took care of business on Day One, as each won in straight sets.

Photo Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty
 

For the first time since 2005, three American women are seeded at a major, and two of the three moved through nicely on Day 1.

More: Serena Williams Approaching 300 Weeks at No.1

9th-seeded Madison Keys blasted past Germany’s Laura Siegemund, 6-1, 6-3, while 8th-seeded and five-time champion Venus Williams worked her way past Donna Vekic, 7-6(3), 6-4.

Williams’ hard-fought victory marked a significant milestone for the 36-year-old. Her 19th Wimbledon appearance is also her 71st at a Grand Slam, tying her with Amy Frazier for the WTA’s all-time lead.

She’s 36 now, but Williams indicates that she’s going on 26. "I still feel 26, so…” Williams said. “You know, I don't think anyone feels older. You have this infinity inside of you that feels like you could go forever. That's how I feel on the court. As long as I'm halfway decent, can get my racquet on the ball, I think I can make something happen. So far so good.”


Williams, who improved to 77-13 with her victory, will face Greece’s Maria Sakkari in the second round. Sakkari defeated Saisai Zheng in straight sets to earn her first Wimbledon win and second at a major.

Keys, who reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year and won the title at Eastbourne just over a week ago, was in scary form as she hit past Germany’s Laura Siegemund in 63 minutes.

The American has now won six in a row and will next face Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens in the second round. Flipkens a semifinalist at Wimbledon in 2013, defeated American Nicole Gibbs, 6-3, 6-1.


 

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