Defending champion Venus Williams poured praise on British opponent Naomi Cavaday after her first round straight set victory.

Williams was forced into a first set tiebreak before easing to a 7-6 6-1 win.

And the American admitted the form of Cavaday caught her by surprise.

Williams said "I thought she played excellent, she took her chances, really took advantage of her opportunities, and played with poise on this occasion, which is centre court in front of her home crowd.

"She served well and really returned the ball with force and ran a lot of balls down so I was impressed with her game."