By Phil Harlow BBC Sport at Wimbledon

Williams needed less than an hour to see off Mattek

Defending champion Venus Williams was not pushed too hard as she swept to a comfortable 6-1 6-0 win over Bethanie Mattek in the first round at Wimbledon.

The sixth seed made short work of Mattek, needing just 27 minutes to take the first set, with her power from the baseline too much for the 21-year-old.

Mattek did not lack fight and won her first service game well, but never managed to put Williams under pressure.

Williams totally dominated the second set to win the match in 52 minutes.

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The match - first on Centre Court - took place a day later than the usual entrance of the defending women's champion after Monday's rain.

But the extended wait made little difference to Williams, as she overwhelmed Mattek, ranked 103rd in the world, from start to finish.

Mattek's tactics of delicate lobs and drop shots paid dividends in the opening few games, but she seldom got a chance again as Williams stamped her authority on the match.

Williams said her straightforward win was an ideal start to her 2006 campaign.

"I felt good out there. Bethanie was a worthy opponent, but it felt like I had all the right answers," said the 26-year-old.

"I like to play aggressively and I'm all about coming forward to the net and taking opportunities.