WIMBLEDON (England) - SERENA Williams knows she's expected to win when Wimbledon begins, and that's fine with her.

The two-time champion met expectations in the opening round on Monday by beating qualifier Neuza Silva 6-1, 7-5. Williams is seeded second and considered the biggest threat to her sister Venus, the tournament favorite.

Serena said she draws confidence from projections she'll be playing in the final a week from Saturday.

'I always feel like if people can believe in me, then I should, too,' she said. 'I always think about how I feel when other people that are top seeded are playing. I'm like, 'OK, they'll win.' So I feel like I should feel that way about myself as well.' Against the No. 154-ranked Silva, Williams lost only nine points on her serve, but converted only one of five break-point chances in the second set and struggled to close out the win.

'I could have played a ton better, especially on key points,' Williams said. 'That's a usual feeling for me from first round to the finals. I'm really insatiable. I always want more.' Williams' second-round opponent on Wednesday will be Jarmila Groth, who is ranked 69th. Williams won when they met at the Australian Open in 2008 but had to search her memory when asked about Groth, who recently changed her name.

Williams conceded it's difficult to remember who's who on the women's tour.

'I just know the standard: Everyone is from Russia,' Williams said jokingly. 'Sometimes I think I'm from Russia, too. I feel like, you know, OK, all these new 'ovas ... I think my name must (be) Williamsova.'

Groth is actually from Australia, but five of the 10 highest-ranked women are Russians.

Two others are named Williams. Venus was to begin a bid for her sixth Wimbledon title and third in a row on Tuesday against 19-year-old Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland.

Serena was runner-up to her sister a year ago and has since won the US Open and Australian Open, giving her 10 Grand Slam titles. -- AP