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Gimpy Venus Needs Big Comeback to Advance

Third-seeded Williams rallies to beat 47th-ranked Russian in three sets

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 31, 2009 10:29 PM CDT

(AP) – Quite close to losing in the US Open's first round for the first time, Williams came all the way back from a set and a break down to beat 47th-ranked Vera Dushevina of Russia 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-3 tonight. The No. 3-seeded Williams, twice the champion at Flushing Meadows, had her balky left knee bandaged by a trainer after the third game. The American also had plenty of trouble serving: She piled up 10 double-faults and was called for seven foot-faults.

Asked during a postmatch interview on court what it's going to take for her knee to be better for the second round, Williams said: "A lot of prayer. It's going to be a lot of prayer. Everything I can throw at it. But, you know, I'm tough."

Vera Dushevina of Russia serves against Venus Williams.
Vera Dushevina of Russia serves against Venus Williams.   (AP Photo)
Venus Williams rubs her knee during her match against Russia's Vera Dushevina tonight.
Venus Williams rubs her knee during her match against Russia's Vera Dushevina tonight.   (AP Photo)
With her knee bandaged, Venus Williams stretches to hit a return during her match against Russia's Vera Dushevina tonight.
With her knee bandaged, Venus Williams stretches to hit a return during her match against Russia's Vera Dushevina tonight.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
youngblood
Sep 1, 2009 11:30 AM CDT
Go Venus!!!
pg13
Sep 1, 2009 2:16 AM CDT
Maybe if she shrieks a lot louder her opponents will quit and she won't have to hurt her knee as much.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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