Rogers Cup, Toronto

[CR1] Serena Williams (USA) vs. [CR26] Flavia Pennetta (ITA)

New look, same Williams, as she dropped the first set and came back to win the match in three. Not surprising, or was there a little surprise given her dominance over Pennetta? The slow start was expected as she has been recuperating a right elbow injury and this was the first match for Williams since she withdrew before her match in the round of sixteen in Bastad last month. Williams has been plagued by issues with her right elbow on and off this season. It is a concern as the hard court season progresses and the US Open looms just around the bend. Will this injury impact her game as she plays on the faster courts and potentially prevent her from playing at her optimal level at the US Open?

Only Williams can answer these questions. As a spectator, it was hard to assess what impact the injury had on her game today as Williams is very good at keeping a lot within. Losing the first set was no indication as that has been a trend for Williams of late. Nevertheless, we will be keeping a close eye as the hard court season progresses. Needless to say, everyone is curious about the state of her game and what she will bring to the US Open. For now, she’s happy to move into the next round with the 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 defeat of Pennetta. Another rocky start for Williams, but her fans have come to expect her to pull it off.