Venus takes revenge on Vesnina

DUBAI, Feb 18 (AFP): Last week's assertion by Venus Williams that she still has what it takes to deliver at the highest level acquired some credence when she impressively settled a score to reach the second round of the Dubai Open Monday.
The 33-year-old seven times former Grand Slam title winner had lost to Elena Vesnina in both their previous meetings but outplayed the world number 33 from Russia by 6-3, 6-2 in little more than an hour.
Encouraging too was that Williams, who has to cope with an immune deficiency on a daily basis, maintained her high standard right till the end and finished looking fresh.
"Every time I played her before she played unbelievably well," she said.
"I don't think she was at her best today, but I'm thankful there will be more matches."
Williams was referring to an early loss in Doha last week after holding match points against Petra Kvitova, the former Wimbledon champion from the Czech republic.
To capitalise on tenacious efforts to regain health and fitness she needs to compete as often as possible - but so far this year in four tournaments she has played only nine matches.