New York, Aug. 26 -- Eleventh seed Karolina Muchova survived a strong challenge from veteran Venus Williams to advance to the second round of the US Open with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 victory in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Muchova, a semifinalist in the last two editions, took two hours to prevail against the 45-year-old American, who was competing in a record 25th singles campaign at Flushing Meadows.
Williams, a two-time champion, showed glimpses of her vintage best in the second set but could not sustain the intensity in the decider as the Czech player regained control to win six of the final seven games.
"It was an unbelievable atmosphere. She's such a legend. I was nervous but glad I managed to pull it out," Muchova said after the match.
Williams ...