WIMBLEDON, England (AP) - Second-ranked Victoria Azarenka overcame a late slip-up to beat American Irina Falconi 6-1, 6-4 Tuesday in the first round at Wimbledon.

The Australian Open champion looked to be cruising when leading 4-1 in the second set but allowed Falconi to break twice and keep her chances alive. Azarenka wouldn't allow a comeback, however, converting her second match point when Falconi netted a forehand return.

Azarenka reached the semifinals at Wimbledon last year before losing to eventual champion Petra Kvitova, while Falconi lost in the first round for the second year in a row.