Wimbledon whizzes Venus Williams and Lucie Safarova have both secured their passage through to the second round of the 2015 Championships.

But they could not have done so in more contrasting circumstances.

Williams, a five-time champion at SW19, was faultless in a sizzling 6-0, 6-0 demolition of fellow American Madison Brengle, a match that lasted a measly 42 minutes. Safarova, a semi-finalist last year, faced almost certain defeat against the inspired Alison Riske before escaping to win in three.

Safarova clinched a 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory, recovering from a 6-3, 3-1 deficit in the second set and reeling off three straight games when Riske attempted to close out the match at 5-4. The Roland Garros finalist and No.6 seed also trailed 2-0 in the third before her aggressive game eventually found its mark and overwhelmed the ailing American.

“I didn't start very well today. I was feeling a little slow on the court and Alison was hitting the balls well, striking, serving well, so I was a little bit under the pressure,” Safarova said.

“I felt like my game slowly started to improve throughout the second set ... I just stayed aggressive and was waiting for any chance that would come, and use the chances that actually appeared, and that’s how I won the second set.”

She smoked 41 winners and 10 aces past Riske, who despite her relatively modest ranked of No.44, has historically performed strongly on grass.

Not only was she facing a dangerous opponent, but Safarova also had to contend with the heightened expectations that inevitably followed her run to the French Open final, and the pressure that comes with defending last year’s semi-final points.

“It wasn’t the best match that I’ve played on grass but first rounds are always not easy and I’m happy that I pulled out a win. I was really fighting and willing to win this match,” she said.

“It’s a new position for me. It feels like from Roland Garros it’s been really busy, and you have so many emotions going on in your head and suddenly you’re right away in another Grand Slam and supposed to fight for another good result, so it’s a little tough situation to handle.

“But it’s also very positive because there are a lot of positive emotions and confidence now with it.”

Earlier, Williams posted her first double-bagel victory in 18 visits to the All England Club. Her impressive stats sheet included six aces, 29 winners (to just two from Brengle) and 17 of 20 points won at the net.