29 July,2009 09:22 AM IST | | AFP
Second seeded American Venus Williams defeated Stephanie Dubois of Canada 6-2, 6-3 in the opening round of the $7,00,000 dollar WTA Bank of the West Classic on Tuesday.
Williams is also playing doubles with her sister Serena who is scheduled to play the night match.
In earlier matches, Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia outlasted Aleksandra Wozniak 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. The marathon match took two hours and 33 minutes.
Defending champion Wozniak became the first Canuck in 20 years to capture a Tour title when she won the 2008 tournament.
