The top seed and world number one Serena Williams had never faced Vitalia Diatchenko on court before, and many expected that nerves and Diatchenko’s rare game style of being two handed on both sides would perhaps make Williams’ first round match at this US Open more difficult than she would have liked. Unfortunately, it was clear from the beginning that Diatchenko could not compete to the best of her ability, with her serve motion compromised due to her reluctance to lean back onto her left foot and put pressure on her injured Achilles tendon.
First set - no trouble for Williams:
Williams began her title hopes by holding easily to 15, her serve looking to be in good form which was reassuring considering her lingering elbow injury she has had since Wimbledon. Diatchenko had a rather horrible service game to start, double faulting twice to help Williams immediately gain two break points. A serve return that landed right on the line from the American saw her break. Williams’ dominant first serve aided her as she consolidated with three aces to lead 3-0. The Russian’s woes continued as her weak serve enabled Williams to break again to love. Diatchenko looked to be hampered by the injury that forced her to retire in Vancouver a couple of week previously, as Williams rolled out three more aces to lead 5-0 in only 12 minutes. Diatchenko called the trainer who treated her Achilles tendon during a medical time out, before play resumed to find Diatchenko in no better state than before her treatment; her serve was still dire and soon Williams had three set points on the underdog’s serve. One was saved followed by loud cheers of sympathy from the crowd, but another double fault saw Williams take the set 6-0 in just 21 minutes.
Second set - unfortunate ending:
Williams came out serving first in the second set, and the Russian again could not find a way to impose herself on the top seed’s serve. Williams held for 1-0. Diatchenko’s struggles continued as her serve once again got her broken to love, smashing a backhand into the net to give the game away. The trainer was called onto court once more, and following a lengthy conversation the underdog was forced to retire. The two women shared a nice exchange as Williams wished her well, but meanwhile the American was through 6-0, 2-0 ret. in 30 minutes.
Next up for Williams is Kiki Bertens; the two have never faced each other before. Bertens' aggressive baseline style will be interesting to see compared to Williams’ power, possibly making it a competitive match. However, even through her opponents struggles, Williams looked strong today – it’s hard to foresee Bertens pulling off the upset.