Serena Victorious in Miami Opener

March 22, 2013 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Serena_01_11
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg

World number one Serena Williams defeated Flavia Pennetta in her opening match at the 2013 Sony Open Tennis in Miami 6-1, 6-1. Serena is seeking her sixth title in Miami and is currently tied for the all-time record with Steffi Graf, having won the Premier title five times. Serving in the first game of the match, Serena hit two double faults in the first three points and fell behind 0-40 – she also converted on just five of 18 break point chances in the match. But also fended off all seven of Pennetta’s break chances.

"My attitude is that it always feels better when you’re No.1," said Serena. "There’s nothing like when they announce you and they say, ‘The number one player in the world.’ So for me, it definitely gives me a little bit more confidence, I think a little bit more pep in your step. It’s just a great feeling."

Serena next faces Ayumi Morita, a 7-6(2), 2-6, 6-3 upset winner over the 31st-seeded Yanina Wickmayer. 

Petra Kvitova and Caroline Wozniacki both grinded out three-set wins, with the number seven-seeded Kvitova rallying from a set down to beat Peng Shuai, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, and the ninth-seeded Wozniacki doing the same to beat Czech qualifier Karolina Pliskova, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3. Wozniacki will next face wild card entry Garbine Muguruza, while Kvitova will face Kirsten Flipkens. Thirteenth-seed Dominika Cibulkova also moved through, but only needed two sets to do it, out-hitting Kristina Mladenovic, 6-2, 6-3 and will next meet Romina Oprandi.


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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