BEIJING, June 23 -- Five-time champion Venus Williams recovered from an early stumble in her opening match at Wimbledon Tuesday to beat Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland 6-3, 6-2.

It was Williams' first appearance on Center Court at the All England Club since the 2008 final, when she beat sister Serena for her second Wimbledon title in a row.

"I really enjoyed being out there," Venus said. "It's a special moment when you walk back as defending champion on that court."

Venus Williams of the United States returns the ball during the Ladies' Singles first round match against Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland in the 2009 Wimbledon Tennis Championships in Wimbledon of London, June 23, 2009. Venus Williams won 2-0

Venus slipped five points into the match, one of several wobbly moments as she began her bid for a three-peat. She double-faulted in the opening game and had to erase two break points. She was passed the first two times she reached the net. She slipped and nearly fell a second time.

"It's grass," she said. "You're going to slip sometimes."

Williams found her footing, winning 14 consecutive points to take a 5-1 lead. She had another spurt in the second set after losing serve for 2-2, and swept the final four games.

Top-seeded Dinara Safina also moved into the second round, with a straight-sets victory over Lourdes Dominguez Lino.

Still seeking her first grand slam title, Safina won 7-5, 6-3.

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