French Open 2017: Venus Williams overcomes Wang Qiang

Australian Open runner-up Venus Williams had to battle to defeat Wang Qiang 6-4 7-6(3) in the first round of the French Open.

Eurosport

Image credit: TNT Sports

Williams, one of many being tipped to challenge for this year's title in the absence of her sister Serena, took the first set without too many problems.

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However in the second Wang really started to push Williams and led 5-3, threatening to take the match to a decider.

Williams, who has never won at Roland Garros, battled back to break and go to 6-5.

Wang, who is currently ranked 52nd in the world, held serve to take it to a tiebreak which Williams won.

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