Venus out to retain title

ZURICH.

Venus Williams began her bid to re-capture the Zurich Open title she last won in 1999 by defeating Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine 6-3, 6-4.

The second round match did not go entirely smoothly for the third seeded American, although she was never placed under any real pressure.

Bondarenko rallied well, while Williams struggled to find consistency.

Although Williams hit four aces she also produced four double-faults, and her several advances to the net were not always successful.

"She always plays well and she's determined and I think she played some good points out there," said Williams

"I played okay, and when the points became more important I seemed to be winning those.