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By Erik Gudris | Sunday, January 15, 2017

 
Venus Australian Open 2017 Round One

Venus Williams relied on experience in her 73rd Grand Slam main draw to win her opening round at the Australian Open.

Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve


36-year-old Venus Williams enjoyed a good start and a memorable finish to her 2017 Australian Open debut. The veteran American finds herself in the second round as she makes her 73rd main draw appearance in a Grand Slam.

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Williams battled past Ukraine’s Kateryna Kozlova in two tough sets on Rod Laver Arena. The post-match interview proved just as memorable after Channel 7 reporter Sam Smith reminded Williams that Kozlova was born the same year that Williams turned pro in 1994.




Williams route to her win was anything but simple though as Kozlova proved a worthy opponent. The 13th seeded Williams struggled early in the opening set as she tried to find her range on her serve and groundstrokes. Taking advantage, Kozlova jumped out to a quick 3-1 lead.

Williams, who reached the Australian Open final in 2003, managed to get things going mid-way through the set as she eventually leveled things at 4-all. Williams continued her struggles though as she dropped serve later for 5-all. Kozlova then edged ahead for 6-5.

On the changeover, Williams wearing an ice towel slumped into her chair showing signs of fatigue. But Williams managed to find the energy in the next game to break Kozlova again to force a tiebreak.

Williams took control early with big hitting and several outstanding volleys up at net. Williams, who held several set points, finally closed out the set 7-6(5) after delivering a massive second serve.

The second set looked to be easier for Williams after she earned an early service break. Yet Williams couldn’t keep up her momentum while Kozlova found new motivation. Kozlova, benefitting from a Williams forehand error, leveled at 3-all and then held serve for 4-3.

Williams dug into the later games especially in the extended rallies despite the hot weather conditions. It was then that experience paid off for Williams down the stretch.


Serving at 5-all, a nervous Kozlova tossed in a double fault thus giving Williams a 15-40 advantage. Kozlova then sent a forehand long on the next point to give Williams the break for 6-5.

Williams wasted no time in closing out the match. Strong serving took her to match point at 40-0 that she then converted on with a final forehand winner to seal the 7-6(5), 7-5 win.

Williams will next face the winner between Stephanie Voegele and Kurumi Nara.



 

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