Serena Williams survives a late comeback from Margarita Gasparyan to advance to the next round

New York- Serena Williams defeats Margarita Gasparyan in two sets, 6-2, 6-4.

Despite a short rain delay, Williams and Gasparyan squared off 30 minutes after the scheduled time. Williams started the first set very aggressive and did not have many unforced errors. Gasparyan had trouble stopping Williams' top spin. Every time Williams' hit a top spin ball, Gasparyan looked flat footed and did not have the strength to return the serve with her unique backspin or set up a drop shot. Williams dominated the first set 6-2.

Williams struggled a little bit in the second set, as Gasparyan dug deep and gave Williams a scare as she tried to climb back into the set. Williams let Gasparyan get back into the set with a couple of unforced errors. At one point in the second set, Gasparyan had a break in the eighth game of the second set and tied it up at 4-4. However Williams broke the next two game and won 6-4 to advance to the next round. Williams will face Sloane Stephens in the next round.