LONDON, July 4 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Angelique Kerber defeated Italy's Irina Falconi in straight sets to reach the second round of the Wimbledon Championships here on Tuesday.
Kerber, who captured both the Australian and US titles last year, beat the 247th-ranked Italian 6-4, 6-4 at Centre Court.
Falconi, who entered the draw through qualifying competitions, rose as high as No.63 in May last year but a right foot injury put paid to that ranking.
"Playing first rounds in Grand Slams are always tough, especially with my first-round match that I lost in Paris," said the left-handed German. "I was actually just thinking about point by point, trying to find my rhythm during the whole match.
"One of the major challenges about being No.1 is that there are much more expectations, much more pressure, from me, from outside, from everything. It's harder to stay there than get there.
"You have to learn a lot of new things. New experiences. You have to learn. You have to get through all the things. But it was always a dream and I'm enjoying it. There are up and downs. Right now I am trying to make things not too complicated again. It's always good to have a tough first-round match. I' m taking it round-by-round and looking forward to my next match."
