Venus Williams advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open on Tuesday but had to work hard for her 6-3, 7-6, victory against Hungary's Petra Mandula.

The two times former champion is looking for her first grand slam title since the second of her U.S. Open triumphs in 2001, but she was unconvincing against an opponent ranked 64th in the world.

Williams, who could meet Lindsay Davenport in the quarter-finals, will play American qualifier Shikha Uberoi in the second round.

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"It's vital not to look too far ahead," said Williams, when asked what her expectations are for the tournament after a stop-start year. "I'm only looking at the second round for now."

Williams has been hit by various injury problems this year and made little impression in the three previous grand slam events.