It was my duty to perform, admits Serena after Wimbledon bow with Murray

Serena Williams confessed to almost being overcome by the pressure of partnering British sporting icon Andy Murray in the Wimbledon mixed doubles but it all worked out in the end as they won their first round match, beating Germany's Andreas Mies and Chile's Alexa Guarachi 6-4 6-1.

Seven-time singles champion Williams had fulfilled Murray's search for a partner -- world number one Ashleigh Barty had been previously mooted.

However, as the match loomed on Centre Court her nerves began to jangle as she feared she would let down Murray on the court where he won two Wimbledon singles titles and the 2012 Olympic.

"At some point I started feeling a lot of pressure," said Williams on Saturday.

"Oh, my God, I have to do well because this match is so hyped that I want to see it.

"I didn't even want to be in it, I kind of just wanted to watch it.

"Maybe I'll try to get a video of it or watch it somewhere.

"Overall I think I was able to handle my nerves pretty good, do better than I thought I was going to do."
- 'My horrible English accent' -
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"I decided to just stay down and let Andy do all the running."