Venus Survives 3-set Scare in Opener at WTA Rome

by Staff | May 4th, 2009, 7:49 pm
  • 14 Comments

No. 4 seed Venus Williams avoided a first-round upset on Monday at the Italian Open in Rome, outlasting Czech Lucie Safarova 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.
ADHEREL
Williams was playing her first match since being upset by eventual champion Sabine Lisicki in the third round at Charleston, spraying a number of unforced errors in the second set to go to a deciding set.

“We both played aggressive,” Venus told the media. “She’s just going for every shot, for the lines. I was OK with the match being a little longer. I just I want to hit balls. In a way it’s not too bad to go three sets.”

Victoria Azarenka was also a winner, beating Japanese qualifier Ayumi Morita who retired due to a left thigh strain.

First round seeded winners on the day included included No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki, No. 10 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, No. 12 seed Flavia Pennetta, and No. 14 seed Zheng Jie.

France’s Alize Cornet was a winner, but No. 15 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues was an upset victim, falling to Russian Anna Chakvetadze in straight sets.

Tuesday’s matches include Jelena Jankovic vs. Argentine Gisela Dulko, top seed Dinara Safina against Virginie Razzano, Ana Ivanovic against Francesca Schiavone, and Serena Williams against Patty Schnyder.


You Might Like:
Serena Survives McNally Scare, Svitolina Sees Off Venus At US Open
Players To Beat Both Venus And Serena Williams In Same Tournament [Chart]
Venus Williams Wins Rome Opener, Sharapova-Lucic Rematch Tuesday
Serena No Lack of Challengers in Path at French Open
American Men Fail in Rome; Venus v Serena 2nd Round?

Don't miss any tennis action, stay connected with Tennis-X

Get the FREE TX daily newsletter

14 Comments for Venus Survives 3-set Scare in Opener at WTA Rome

sar Says:

and the real number one Serena got knocked out by Schnyder!


Al Says:

Yeah that is kind of funny. All that talk and now some humble pie for her. To bad. I was actually looking forward to her playing Safina.


zola Says:

***and the real number one Serena got knocked out by Schnyder!
**

that was a good one!

I like Serena, but what is the fuss about this “real” number one? First to Jankovic and now to Safina! Humble pie indeed.


sar Says:

I am hoping for JJ to win it all now in a Three- peat


Viee Says:

Venus vs Safina is on now.
tight game, the best so far in this tournament IMO.

Safina came from 5-3 down to 6-6.
Venus managed to scale through 7-6.
second set on now.


Al Says:

This match is probably real good. To bad I am at work.


jane Says:

Safin took the second set 6-3! This is a very good WTA match; I hope, no offense to any Venus fans, that Safina pulls out the win.


Viee Says:

yep it is a great match so far……
hoping Venus come out tops thou….

come on V!


Viee Says:

looks like Safinas day here


jane Says:

Congrats to Safina, for a good win over Venus.


Duro Says:

Hi Jane.


Viee Says:

wells it her day…
congrats Safina, enjoyed d game….


jane Says:

Hi Duro; Djoko should be playing soon hey? Hope this one is smoother sailing for him.


Lisicki Fan Says:

Well if Sabine stays free of injuries, we’re sure that she’ll make it in the top 20’s this year. Her tennis is technical so much more advanced than V. Williams. We wish er all the best for her future and her career!

Top story: Alcaraz Too Good For Medvedev, Defends Indian Wells Masters Title