LONDON:
Rafael Nadal took a while to warm up but made an impressive start to his Wimbledon title defence with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win over American Michael Russell as the 125th championship began in fine weather.
The Spanish world number one fell behind against the 90th-ranked 33-year-old in the first set before his forehand clicked into gear on Centre Court and he powered into the second round.
Russell missed a break point on Nadal's second service game but did break the Spaniard to lead 4-2 on a Centre Court which was soon full to its 15,000-capacity.
It was the perfect start for Nadal and he clearly revelled in being back on the court that witnessed his last Wimbledon defeat, back in the 2007 final against Federer.
"I have never seen a court like this ever before, its fantastic," said the 25-year-old. "The first set was so so but then I started to hit my forehand well."
Meanwhile, American Mardy Fish defeated Spaniard Marcel Granollers 7-6, 7-6, 6-4 to enter the second round as there were no signs of interruption by rain.
Venus happy to be back on track
Five-time women's singles champion Venus Williams also progressed with ease as the expected rain showers stayed away and play on the outside courts began on time.
The American, just back from a five-month injury layoff, beat Uzbekistan's towering Akgul Amanmuradova 6-3, 6-1 in calm conditions on Court 18.
Williams loped smoothly around the slick grass, hammering down big serves to leave the 97th-ranked Amanmuradova who is still looking for her first Wimbledon win after five attempts.
"Coming into any major there is a bit of tension and because I haven't played a lot I think that adds a little pressure on me," said Venus.
"But it's always great to be back. I think playing a few matches at Eastbourne helped me feel comfortable here.
"I was happy to be playing at all after missing so much of the year. That was a big plus for me today."
Williams, at 31 is one of the oldest players in the women's draw, will have youth on her side in the second round when she plays Japan's Kimiko Date-Krumm who beat British wildcard Katie O'Brien 6-0, 7-5.
At 40 years and eight months Date-Krumm became the second oldest player to win a singles match at Wimbledon after Martina Navratilova.
"I remember 1996 on the Centre Court," recalled the Japanese of the year she last won a Wimbledon match.
"I played against Steffi Graf and it was in darkness. We played over two days. It was memorable. Then after 15 years I win in the first round and it's already a miracle."
Zvonareva survives scare on opening day
Vera Zvonareva, the highest-ranked woman on view on the opening day, survived a big scare when the second-seeded Russian beat American Alison Riske 6-0, 3-6, 6-3.
"She played some good tennis but I tried to stay focused. I had some ups and downs but I'm really happy I was able to pull it off in the end," said Zvonareva.
"I lost my concentration for a bit but I always fight for every point in the match and I was able to pick it up in the third set."
Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2011.
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