Muguruza powers past Lepchenko at U.S. Open

FILE PHOTO: Garbine Muguruza of Spain celebrates win against Varvara Lepchenko of the U.S. in their first round match. REUTERS/Mike Segar

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza notched up her first ever victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium with a 6-0 6-3 win over American Varvara Lepchenko at the U.S. Open on Monday.

Despite winning two grand slam titles, Muguruza has never felt at home at Flushing Meadows as she has never advanced past the third round here.

Tennis - US Open - New York, U.S. - August 28, 2017 - Garbine Muguruza of Spain in action against Varvara Lepchenko of the U.S. during their first round match. REUTERS/Mike Segar

"I have been here so many times and I've never done very well," said the Spaniard.

"I give everything I have on the court.

"She started a little nervous and I started well. Then it got more equal and became a good fight."

Tennis - US Open - New York, U.S. - August 28, 2017 - Garbine Muguruza of Spain in action against Varvara Lepchenko of the U.S. during their first round match. REUTERS/Mike Segar

Lepchenko struggled with her accuracy on the partly-cloudy morning, committing 22 unforced errors to Muguruza's 11.

The 23-year-old Muguruza was aggressive throughout, frequently coming to the net and using her powerful ground strokes to push Lepchenko into awkward court positions.

Muguruza will next face either American Claire Liu or Duan Ying-ying of China.

Aug 28, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Garbine Muguruza of Spain hits to Varvara Lepchenko of the USA in Ashe Stadium on day one of the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

(Reporting by Rory Carroll, editing by Pritha Sarkar)