Former world number one Venus Williams, playing what she called “smart” tennis, beat defending champion Kiki Bertens 6-3 3-6 7-6(4) in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters on Tuesday.
This was just before her sister Serena withdrew from the competition due to back problems.
Serena, who was forced to retire from the Rogers Cup final on Sunday by back spasms, had been due to play Zarina Diyas in the first round.
It would have been part of her preparations for her tilt at a 24th Grand Slam title at this month’s U.S. Open. Read more