Tennis

Venus returns with victory over Petkovic

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-06-14 12:59

Venus Williams of the US reacts after slipping on the grass during her International Women's Open tennis tournament match against Germany's Andrea Petkovic in Eastbourne, southern England June 13, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

* Tumbles twice on centre court

EASTBOURNE, England - American Venus Williams marked her return from a five-month injury layoff with an impressive 7-5 5-7 6-3 victory over Germany's Andrea Petkovic at the Eastbourne championships on Monday.

The five-times Wimbledon champion, playing her first match since January's Australian Open third round when she retired after one game also against Petkovic, looked completely at home on the slick grass courts.

The 30-year-old, who has suffered from abdominal and hip injuries, did take a couple of tumbles on the centre court and double-faulted twice in her opening service game in blustery conditions but looked delighted to be back.

"It was definitely an adventure today...the conditions, falling down on every point," a jovial Venus, whose sister Serena has also chosen Eastbourne to launch a comeback from injury after a long absence, told reporters.

"I was extremely excited coming back with a win against a player who has been playing so well the last 12 months."

Eighth seed Petkovic took advantage of some early rust in the Williams game as the American struggled to control her forehand in the seaside conditions but, after leading 4-2, she was broken in the eighth game and the set slipped away.