AmNews Sports Editor
Serena Williams beat up on Mandy Minella of Luxemborg in her Wimbledon opener. Williams led some 15 American women into the main draw, the most since 2006. But as Williams advances, she will leave behind only four American women, including Sloane Stephens, the 17th seed, who were able to advance. Williams came out swinging, losing not a point on her serve, which came across the net at 121 mph.
Stephens won her first-round match, determined to make a better showing than her performance at the French Open a few weeks ago.
The big surprise was the return of James Blake, who, once upon a time, many thought would be the next Arthur Ashe. He won his first-round match, his first match victory at Wimbledon since 2008. He showed some hop on his serve, taking out Dutchman Thiemo de Bakker 6-1, 6-3.
Venus Williams can’t catch a break; she never hit the court, calling it quits because of back problems. However, Venus is well aware that her little sis is on the verge of catching up with her. Serena is three match wins away from tying Venus’ record of most consecutive World Tennis Association match play wins since 2000. Serena is 68-8 at Wimbledon.