Kerber battles into Wimbledon second round

World No.1 Angelique Kerber has come through a tough first round clash with Irina Falconi. Kerber, who opened proceedings on Centre Court in the absence of Serena Williams, battled past the resilient American 6-4 6-4 in one hour 27 minutes.

Kerber came into The Championships with question marks about her form. The German, who lost in the quarterfinals of her only grass court warm-up event, and could surrender her place as world No.1 if she goes out early at SW19.

However, the 2016 finalist began her campaign strongly, finding a way past Falconi.

The American world No. 247 briefly threatened to upset the German and record her first win at Wimbledon, breaking Kerber once in each set. But Kerber dug deep, breaking her opponent twice to secure the victory.

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“I think it was a good match – a good first match for me,” Kerber said following her win. “It was good playing again on Centre Court. A lot of memories came back when I walked on.

“Right now I am trying to making things not too complicated again, just trying to focusing more on my tennis, taking time for myself, being really here and focusing right now only on the next day and the next match,