Venus Puts a Beating on Rezai at Amelia Island

One of this tournament's most successful players, Nadia Petrova, was in action as the second round started, defeating Kaia Kanepi, 64 60. Seeded No.1 here and the defending champion, Petrova came out of the blocks exceptionally fast, surging out to a 4-1 lead and holding two points for 5-1. Kanepi rallied back to 4-all, but the Russian held and broke at love to close out the opening set. She raced through the second in 32 minutes.

"I got myself into trouble but I got my concentration back," said Petrova on the first set. "In the second set I was just cruising. I'm happy with a two set win. It's a good start, but I hope to improve things and take my game to the next level."

Awaiting Petrova in the third round will be No.15 seed Zheng Jie, a 63 63 winner over Mara Santangelo. Zheng is perhaps better known for her doubles resumé, which includes Grand Slam titles with countrywoman Yan Zi at the Australian Open and Wimbledon last season; but she is also a dangerous singles player, claiming three Sony Ericsson WTA Tour titles in the individual discipline. She also gave Petrova a tight contest in their most recent meeting, their only one on clay.

"The Chinese are really trying hard to prepare for the Olympics next year, and they are getting much better," said Petrova, who beat Zheng 76(3) 46 64 in the third round of Berlin a year ago. "They are really consistent and fight hard. It'll be a difficult one. I think every match will be a challenge."

Others reaching the third round Tuesday were No.3 seed Daniela Hantuchova, No.5 seed Dinara Safina, No.11 seed Katarina Srebotnik and Slovakian wild card Dominika Cibulkova, who beat qualifier Vera Dushevina, 63 63.

Williams makes winning return to Amelia Island

The last six first round matches also took the court Tuesday and all eyes were on 2002 Bausch & Lomb Championships winner Venus Williams, who played at night against French youngster Aravane Rezai. Williams blew through every one of her service games and broke Rezai four times en route to an easy 61 62 victory.

"I would say tonight is the most comfortable I've felt on court of all the matches I have played so far this season," the American said. "She was hitting the ball hard and I felt off-balance sometimes, but I was able to counterattack it really well. My service game was also strong. I feel really good."

Next up for Williams will be No.4 seed Patty Schnyder, who received an opening round bye. Williams is 8-0 lifetime against Schnyder, but every one of their last three meetings has gone to three sets, including their last two, both on clay.

"We've had lots of close matches and there have been some times she's been a point away from beating me," said Williams, who posted wins at Rome and Roland Garros last year. "I'll have to hit some balls, be aggressive and move forward; but I enjoy my match-up against her. I enjoy her game."

Also winning first round match-ups Tuesday were No.12 seed Samantha Stosur and non-seeds Romina Oprandi, Peng Shuai, Nathalie Dechy and Iveta Benesova.

The 10 remaining second round matches take the court on Wednesday. Seeds Jelena Jankovic (No.2), Schnyder (No.4), Ana Ivanovic (No.6), Li Na (No.7) and Tatiana Golovin (No.8) are all included in that line-up. (WTA)