Venus Williams has continued her US Open campaign by beating Timea Bacsinszky 6-1 6-4 in the second round in New York.

The two-time winner was put under pressure in her service games early in the match, and was forced to save three break points to remain on level terms with her Swiss opponent.

Williams quickly found her feet in front of her supporters, though, and broke Bacsinszky twice on her way to wrapping up the first set in 31 minutes.

Bacsinszky refused to be dominated by the 19th seed, and matched the American shot for shot for the majority of the second set.

However, Williams finally made the breakthrough by converting a break point at the fifth time of asking in the ninth game to claim a 5-4 lead.

The unseeded Bacsinszky had a chance to immediately break back, but Williams held her nerve at the crucial moment to serve out and book her spot in the third round.