Venus Williams has started her title defense with a 7-6 (5), 6-1 win over British wild card Naomi Cavaday on Centre Court.

The seventh-seeded Williams dropped her opening serve Tuesday and had to force a tiebreaker against the No. 197th-ranked Cavaday.

After holding on in the tiebreaker, Williams dominated the second set to advance to the second round. She is seeking her fifth Wimbledon title.