She got scared at first before taking off in the first round of the Madrid tournament against Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva (7-6 [5], 6-1).

The American Serena Williams, the world No.1 was dominated in the first set before enforcing her rank. “I felt a little heavy for the first round. I obviously want to play better later, “said Williams after the game.

The American admired the quality of short, criticized last year. “Clay is very good. The courts are a little faster than those on which I have got trained (in Paris), “she said.

In the second round, the world No.1 will meet the Spanish Lourdes Dominguez.