Third seed Venus Williams survived a major scare at Flushing Meadows as she came from a set down to beat Vera Dushevina on the first night at the 2009 US Open.

Former champion Kim Clijsters made a winning return to the US Open today after a three-year absence from Flushing Meadows.

Former champion Maria Sharapova has very few expectations heading into this year’s Wimbledon, other than trying to regain her former sharpness on court.

German teenager Sabine Lisicki shocked second seed Venus Williams at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston by beating the American 6-4 7-6 (7/5) to advance to the quarter-finals.

World number one Amelie Mauresmo claims she does not fear the pressure at the French Open any more after easily progressing to the last 16 with a straight-set win over Serbia & Montenegro’s Jelena Jankovic.