Seven-time champion Serena Williams marked her return to SW19 as she overcame blustery conditions and Dutchwoman Arantxa Rus to reach the second round at the ongoing Wimbledon Open.

The former world number one defeated Rus 7-5 6-3 in their first round clash.

Speaking after her win, Williams, 36, who is working her way back to top shape after the birth of her first child said: “I’m happy to get through that. I didn’t play my best but I will get there.”

Williams’ compatriot and fourth seed Sloane Stephens was the biggest casualty of day one after the US Open champion lost 6-1 6-3 to Croatian world number 55 Donna Vekic.

Fifth seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine was also booted out of the tournament by world number 57 Tatjana Maria of Germany.

Svitolina was beaten 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 6-1 by Maria in their first round match.

Five-time champion and Serena Williams’ elder sister, Venus Williams overcame a sloppy start to beat Johanna Larsson of Sweden 6-7 (3-7) 6-2 6-1.

Second seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark had an easier victory as she only needed 59 minutes to beat American Varvara Lepchenko 6-0 6-3, while 2012 finalist Agnieszka Radwanka of Poland also ended day one as a first round winner.

She saved six match points to see off Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3 4-6 7-5.