Resurgent Venus stopped in 1st round at Australian Open

Venus Williams faces sanctioning after refusing to explain her first-round loss at the Australian Open.

Konta though, steadied herself on her next service game, she was forced to defend two break points but completed the job with another booming serve that saw Williams’ return hit the net.

Johanna Konta of Britain celebrates after defeating Venus Williams of the United States in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016.

“Yeah, I had a few problems but, well, I think I’m recovered now”, she said of the foot problem, “so very good”.

“I played two previous tournaments (this year) and I didn’t have the results I wanted but I have a very strong belief”. Murray also said it was “a little bit hypocritical” for tournaments to be sponsored by bookmaking firms – as the Australian Open is – while the authorities are trying to stamp out corruption. Murray had Amelie Mauresmo, a new mother, back in his coaching corner this week and was happy not to get any mid-match news from home.

Because of her nationality switch, Konta is unlikely to be back on the main showcourt for her second round encounter with Carina Witthoeft or Zheng Saisai.

The 24-year-old broke twice to open up a 5-2 lead against a below-par Williams, and although her opponent regained one of the breaks, Konta eventually served out the set.

“Whenever I step out on the court, whether it is at Wimbledon, whether it is here or in Wuhan or in Timbuktu, it really is just about enjoying where I am at that time and regardless of who I’m playing, to really knuckle down and take care of things on my end”.

Konta went into the match having lost both of her matches in 2016, but during the early stages, it was clear that she believed she could cause a major surprise on her first appearance in Melbourne.

On the women’s side, No. 3 Garbine Muguruza beat Anett Kontaveit 6-0, 6-4 and No. 7 Angelique Kerber had a 6-7 (4), 7-6 (6), 6-3 win over Misaki Doi.

Milos Raonic followed up his victory at the Brisbane International with a clinical, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 first-round win over Lucas Pouille on the second day of the season’s first major.

Joining him the second round will be No. 10 John Isner, No. 18 Feliciano Lopez, No. 23 Gael Monfils, No. 30 Jeremy Chardy, No. 31 Steve Johnson and No. 32 Joao Sousa.