So, Serena is finally returning to the tour, and I am very excited. Having both the Williams sisters fit and healthy really adds another dimension, with their athletic games and huge personalities.

Unfortunately, she got drawn against Nastya (arguably the two biggest names in the draw) in round 1...

They play later tonight.

Come on Serena! :D

do you think she'll be fit enough after such a long lay-off?

It's tough to predict; we all know Serena is certainly capable of bouncing back straight into the mix. However, Myskina has been playing very well lately (bar the Wimbledon quarter-final), and if she manages to maintain that form it will be a very tough ask for Serena. Also, if it goes to 3 sets, it will be interesting to see how Serena's conditioning holds up; I'd probably give Nastya the edge, considering Serena's lay-off and thus lack of matches.

:) i agree, :hug:

Serena def. Nastya 6-2 6-2! :o

What a win! Serena is back! :yahoo:

:o

Well done Serena! :clap:

YAY!!! :D

Jim were you up at 6am?????

Well as I had pretty much predicted... an easy win for the best player on tour when she's on fire and Serena is now back and ready to beat everyone again!

:party: :yahoo: :bow:

Excellent result, very pleased for her despite he rnot being one of my faves style-wise, I do liek he rattitude and fighting spirit. Well done. :ok:

:lol:

Well, I get up at 6 o'clock on school days, and I wanted to check Serena's result - so I made the post whilst doing that :)

Hmm.. sounds less like Serena beat Anastasia rather than blow her away?? :yikes:

That's some statement of intent.. bravo! :)

Anyone know if SW played an exceptionally good game (heard that her serving was good) or maybe AM was below par, or both??

Serena next faces Bettie Mattek, the one with the really cool fashion sense, that Venus beat 6-1 6-01 at Wimby R1...

Yes, her serving was top notch against Myskina! She was hitting 120mph at points and surprising even herself! :)

She played well but Myskina also played rather badly... Serena is back though!

Serena reaches the quarter-finals with a 6-3 6-1 win over Mattek :D

I really think that she could actually go all the way and win this looking at the rest of the draw. If she can keep playing the way she is at the moment then she could really cause havoc in the tour again!

Hmm.. I did see Zvonareva in her half of the draw and thought that she could test Serena, and was actually making a case for her yesterday when many Serena fans on the beeb board very very dismissive of her.

Mind you, even when making this case, I thought that Serena might have too much power for her.. I should have shown more faith in my judgement (even though I did hedge slightly and say that it could go to 3 sets)!

Ah well, getting to the semis, beating Myskina en route must surely be viewed as a positive start by Serena.

Can i just say what a breath of fresh air it is to have Serena back on the tour. In your face Beeb haters who say serena is overweight and her career is over. she's in great shape and in great form(quotes wise) roflmao

To beat myskina like that in the first round is absolutely exceptional. Hasnt played a match in 6 months and just crushed Ana like that was incredible. A bit dissapointing that she lost to vera like that, but the foundations for further sucess have already been laid down. call me rash, but i think we could really see something big from Serena at the Open this year. It's clear she has the best serve in the women's game, and along with her sister the most punishing hitter, plus an incredible athlete.

Serena is back, and she's looking to win big :D

Horray! I can't wait for the US Open to start... lets hope your right dl!