Serena eases through Miami opener

MIAMI (AFP): Serena Williams got her quest for a record sixth Miami WTA title off to a brisk start on Thursday with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Italian Flavia Pennetta. The world No. 1 and top seed, playing her first tournament since falling to Victoria Azarenka in the final at Doha in February, she said that she didn’t feel too rusty, although her footwork could improve.

“I think I missed a few shots, but only because I think I was off footwork-wise,” she said. “But it’s always just good just to win a match and stay in the tournament and keep going.” Despite the lopsided score line, Williams said Pennetta’s ability to extend the rallies made the match difficult, although the American fended off all seven break points she faced.

She had 18 break chances against Pennetta, and converted five, saying she felt a little frustrated that she wasn’t doing more.