Rain delays Venus comeback

Published: 12:35PM Wednesday May 14, 2008 Source: Reuters

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

Venus Williams's return from over a month on the sidelines with an unspecified medical problem was delayed on Wednesday as rain forced play to be abandoned at the Italian Open.

Only four matches were completed before organisers suspended play all together, with the seventh seed's second round match against Australian Samantha Stosur postponed until Thursday.

The American's sister Serena also had her match against Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko bumped into Thursday's schedule.

Russian world number two Maria Sharapova will start her Italian Open campaign on Wednesday against Dominika Cibulkova after the Slovak beat Argentine Gisela Dulko 7-6 6-4 in the first round.

Top seed Ana Ivanovic, who has a bye to the second round, will take on Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova, a 6-4 6-2 winner over fellow qualifier Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic.

Belarusian Victoria Azarenka cruised past Austrian 19th seed Sybille Bammer 6-1 6-3 to reach the second round, while Italian wildcard Roberta Vinci beat Estonian Kaia Kanepi 6-4 4-6 6-0.

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.