By Erik Gudris | Sunday, May 25, 2014

 

Venus Williams played her power game to near perfection in defeating young Swiss hope Belinda Bencic at the French Open.

Photo Credit: AP

What a difference a year makes for Venus Williams at the French Open.

French Open: Federer Flies in Opening Round

Last year, Williams endured a tough three set loss in the opening round that had many calling for the former No. 1 to retire. But Williams this season continues her resurgence and that included a much different result in her first round match on Sunday in Paris.

Williams faced off against 17-year-old Belinda Bencic of Switzerland who earlier in the year reached the Charleston semifinals. Not looking overawed by the situation, Bencic claimed the first break in the opening set.

The current junior No. 1, Bencic soon found herself playing in a different league against the veteran Williams. Using her power, Williams broke back and soon claimed a 5-3 lead. Bencic herself fought off two set points against her in the next game using fine point construction that often earns her comparisons to Martina Hingis. Bencic soon broke for 5-4.

Williams responded though by breaking back and claimed the set 6-4.

From there, Williams' power and experience shown through as she surged out to a 4-0 lead in the second set. Though Bencic would keep fighting, it wasn't enough for the Swiss prospect as Williams soon held match point.

A down the line forehand winner, her 21st of the afternoon, sealed the 6-4, 6-1 victory for Williams.

"Yeah, obviously I have to give some credit to her, as well," Williams said about Bencic's efforts. "She's played well. I think she's improved a lot since we played the first time, and she's a great competitor."

When asked if she thought Bencic's game reminded her of Hingis in any way, Williams disagreed.

"Well, they're different. Let's put it that way," Williams said.

Though tennis remains a priority for the 33-year-old seven-time Grand Slam champion, Williams is also known for her fashion and interior design businesses. She may have educated her young opponent on the court, but Williams revealed she is currently studying herself by taking business classes through an Indiana university.

"I wanted to do that because I just thought it would help me out in terms of just being more well rounded with my design businesses. And I was in school a while, but I had to take some time off because my health went down. I didn't have the energy to do everything. So now I'm back and I'm going to close it out, you know, like you're at 5-1 in the third."

With younger sister and defending champion Serena Williams having won her opening round match as well, the possibility still exists both sisters could face each other in the third round. Williams was asked about she feels about playing her sister yet again in a Grand Slam.

"I don't know. I mean, we play each other, we both try to bring our best game just like in other matches, and I think we both know we have to play even better because it's against each other."

Williams acknowledged the impact she and her sister have had on the sport since they started playing almost 20 years ago.

"Yeah, I think there have been a lot of changes when Serena and I started playing. Really, it's been an honor to be part of a change in tennis. When we started out, I don't think we had those goals. But to become something greater than what you can do for yourself has been just I think a real honor for both of us."