Venus Williams had to overcome a sluggish start and a hard-charging opponent to advance to the third round of Wimbledon singles.

Williams, a five-time defending champion, needed three sets and almost three hours to beat 40-year-old Japanese player Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-7 (6), 6-3, 8-6 at Center Court. It was amazing Williams was able to come back after quickly falling behind 5-1 in the first set.

Williams, who is still showing signs of rust from a five-month layoff, climbed back into the match but still found herself challenged every turn by Date-Krumm.

“Obviously I’d prefer to win in straight sets with no breaks but against a player like her today, right until the end she was attacking,” said Williams, who finished with 12 aces and 45 aces in the tournament. “Even that last shot I thought I hit a great approach and she almost hit a passing shot, so that was the story of the match. But I’m really glad I was able to serve well, I think that really got me through.”

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Contact Terrance Harris at terrancefharris@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @Terranceharris

(Photo: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)