The first match of the Sony Ericsson Championships was between Victoria Azarenka and Jelena Jankovic. The Belorussian debutant at the Championships triumphed in straight sets 6-2 6-3, making 15 unforced errors compared to Jankovic’s 33.
The second match of the day featured defending champion Venus Williams and Elena Dementieva. Williams entered the encounter with an impressive 9-2 record against Dementieva, including six straight wins over the Russian. The American built a 6-2 3-1 lead in the match at the season-ending Championships, and looked to be extending her streak, when Dementieva fought back to eventually take a 3-6 7-6(6) 6-2 victory.
The first day of the round robin stage at the Sony Ericsson Championships was closed with Serena Williams’ tight win over Svetlana Kuznetsova, 7-6(6) 7-5. Williams came back from behind multiple times to have her revenge for the quarterfinal loss to Kuznetsova at the 2009 French Open. (photo: Ralf Reinecke)
Woo hoo, it seems to be a real battle out there. I’m not too surprised Venus went early, Elena is way dangerous than she used to be. I think she’s finally got the knack for playing the W sistas. I hope she’ll play against Serena soon, that will be a hell of a match (which Elena hopefully wins)! Kuzy put up a great fight, shame she didn’t make it this time. There will be other times, though. I think Azarenka will mix it up this year, ah well, fresh blood…