• WTA

On-fire Williams makes sizzling start

ESPN staff
March 21, 2013
Serena Williams did not look out of shape on her return © Getty Images
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World No. 1 Serena Williams emphatically sealed her place in the third round of the Sony Open in Miami after blasting her way past Flavia Pennetta.

The five-time champion of the event only dropped two games in a 6-1 6-1 demolition of Pennetta, who had no answers for the American's play as she was broken five times after facing 18 on her serve.

Williams proved to be no match for three-time US Open quarter-finalist Pennetta, and marks her first appearance since reaching the final in Doha last month with a comprehensive victory.

The 31-year-old did not play in Dubai and Indian Wells, and is looking fresh as she bids to win the premier event for the sixth time.

Reigning champion Agnieszka Radwanska was a 6-3 6-2 winner over Hsieh Su-Wei in over an hour, and after the perfect start to the defence of her crown the Pole said: "I am very happy to have a quick match. The first match is always a little bit tough and tricky, especially coming from Indian Wells, where we have a little bit different conditions.

"So I'm just happy to be in the third round and have two-set match. I will do everything to hold the trophy again. Winning this kind of tournament, it's almost like winning Grand Slam."

Former French Open champion Li Na marked her return to the tour with a 6-3 6-1 victory against Kiki Bertens, while 2011 Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova battled from a set down to stay in the tournament, winning 5-7 6-2 6-2.

Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki also had to fight to keep her tournament hopes alive, as the Dane recovered from losing the opening set 7-5 against Karolina Pliskova to claim the final two sets 6-3 6-3.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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