Serena Williams Advances to the Second Round of the French Open

Photo Courtesy of Julian Finney/Getty Images

Serena Williams began her search for her record-equaling 24th Grand Slam with a win over Kristie Ahn in the first round of the French Open.

It took Williams one hour and 41 minutes to eventually surpass Ahn 7-6 (7-3), 6-0 and advance to the second round at Roland Garros.

“The biggest difference was just confidence,” the No.6 seed said afterwards. “I just need to play with more confidence, like I’m Serena.

“So that was it. I just started playing like that, and I love the clay and I started playing like it, opening the court and moving and sliding.”

Williams is aiming to tie Margaret Court’s Grand Slam win total of 24. She is just one away with 23.