Serena Wins First Match of Season

PERTH, Australia - Serena Williams began preparations for her Australian Open title defense with a 6-0, 2-6, 7-5 victory over Lucie Safarova on Monday in the Hopman Cup mixed team tournament.
The win gave the United States a 1-0 lead over the Czech Republic.

Williams arrived in Perth late because of a stomach ailment and was replaced by Meghann Shaughnessy in the Americans' first match, a 2-1 win over India on Saturday.

Williams started off strongly Monday, but Safarova staged a second-set comeback. "I thought I was on my way to victory, then the next thing you know, I'm almost down 5-2 in the third," Williams said. "I was a little off, but she was hitting some great shots."
Safarova had seven double-faults, including one that set up break point in the 11th game to eventually give Williams a 6-5 lead in the deciding set. Serving for the match, Williams had two aces in the final game - her 10th and 11th of the match - then won when Safarova's backhand went wide.

Shrugging off jet-lag after a journey that began in Miami and took her via New York and Dubai, the American wore a pink skirt, light brown top and matching bandana and looked fitter than she has in recent years. Despite arriving in Perth only on Sunday, Williams proved her fitness was good by winning a tight battle with Safarova 6-0 2-6 7-5. Team USA (Mardy and Serena) will take on Team Australia (Peter Luczak and Alicia Molik) on Thursday, January 3, 2008. Serena starts the tie against Alicia Molik (at 10:30am).