THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PERTH, Australia — Serena Williams began preparations for her Australian Open title defense with a 6-0, 2-6, 7-5 victory over Lucie Safarova on Monday in the Hopman Cup mixed team tournament.
The win gave the United States a 1-0 lead over the Czech Republic, with Mardy Fish scheduled to play Tomas Berdych later Monday. A mixed doubles match also was scheduled.
Williams arrived in Perth late because of a stomach ailment and was replaced by Meghann Shaughnessy in the Americans’ first match, a 2-1 win over India on Saturday.
Williams started off strongly Monday, but Safarova staged a second-set comeback.
"I thought I was on my way to victory, then the next thing you know, I’m almost down 5-2 in the third," Williams said. "I was a little off, but she was hitting some great shots."
Safarova had seven double-faults, including one that set up break point in the 11th game to eventually give Williams a 6-5 lead in the deciding set.
Serving for the match, Williams had two aces in the final game — her 10th and 11th of the match — then won when Safarova’s backhand went wide.