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CARLSBAD, California: Wimbledon champion Venus
Williams returned to the WTA San Diego Classic for the first time in
five years Monday, picking up where she left off with a victory.
The 10th seed, who dominated the
event from 2000 through 2002 with three trophies on the trot, began
her eighth campaign with a 6-3, 6-0 first-round victory over Russian
Anastasia Rodionova in just 50 minutes.
Williams was on court for the
first time since winning two rubbers in a losing US effort this
month in Fed Cup against Russia in Vermont the week after earning
her fourth Wimbledon crown.
“I’ve never stopped playing
since Wimbledon. I’m healthy and everything is working well in my
game,” Williams said.
“I went for my shots a lot and
tried to stay aggressive. I feel great going into the summer. When
I’m healthy I can keep on building my game. I’m thrilled.”
The fiery Rodionova was on best
behavior after being fined $5,000 as she became only the second
woman to be defaulted in WTA history.
The scene occurred in Cincinnati
this month as the 25-year-old, ranked 81st, hit the ball toward
spectators cheering for her opponent.
Williams earned her 15th victory
in succession at the event, being played for the last year after a
WTA calendar shake-up. She stands 26-4 at the tournament.
“It’s good to be back,”
said the only Williams sister in the field, her younger sibling
Serena sidelined by a thumb injury sustained at Wimbledon.
“I won here three times in a
row, but then I couldn’t come back. I love playing in California
in the summer because I’m from here.”
Thai veteran Tamarine Tanasugarn
lined up as a second-round opponent for top seeded holder Maria
Sharapova, booking the place over American Laura Granville 6-4, 5-7,
6-4.
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