Williams loses in Dubai

American Venus Williams was a shock casualty on the opening day of the Dubai Women’s Open.

Williams, the fifth seed, was knocked out in the first round by Italy’s Silvia Farina Elia, losing 7-5 7-6 (8/6).

It was the first appearance for Williams since being defeated by France’s Amelie Mauresmo in the final of the Proximus Diamond Games in Belgium two weeks’ ago.