Serena Williams after defeating Sharapova: "It's good to have tough matches"

Serena had no problems in the first round of the US Open when she won her match in an hour. But after every match with Sharapova, she said that the match was difficult.

“It's really important because it's good to have tough matches,” Serena said. “Well, it's good to get through tough matches, especially for me. I really sometimes tend to start slow. It actually almost helps me.”

Williams managed to defeat Sharapova 20th time already and therefore commented on how it is possible that she almost always beats her rival.

“I just feel like her game really matches up well against mine,” Serena explained in her post-match press conference. “I always said her ball somehow lands in my strike zone. I don't know. It's just perfect for me.”

“I think I was able to zone in, especially down breakpoints, not letting her in the match because she's the kind of player that keeps going,” Serena said of her dominant performance. “Even towards the end, she just wants to keep fighting. One point here or there, she could have won at least another game.

“I wanted to make sure I stayed focused.”

Williams will be facing young countrywoman Caty McNally in the second round of the US Open

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