U.S. Open 2014: Serena Williams progresses to third round

Serena Williams returns a service to Vania King, August 28, 2014. Williams won the match 6-1,6-0. PHOTO/AP

Serena Williams overcame 3 double-faults in her first service game, and was in control the rest of the way and stretched her winning streak to 16 matches at the U.S. Open.

The No. 1-ranked Williams needed only 56 minutes Thursday to beat Vania King 6-1, 6-0 to reach the third round at Flushing Meadows.

Five of Williams’ 17 Grand Slam singles titles have come at the U.S. Open, including in 2012 and 2013. She is trying to become the first woman to win the tournament in three consecutive years since Chris Evert won it four times in a row in 1975-78.

Once her initial problems adjusting to strong wind in Arthur Ashe Stadium were resolved, Williams compiled a 25-5 edge in winners.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press