After six months during which she was not able to play due to a chronic left knee injury, Serena Williams came back and defeated Anastasia Myskina 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of the Western & Southern Financial Group Women’s Open.

“I felt really relaxed. I haven't felt this way in a long time”, Williams said after the 56-minute match. “I almost could have played Wimbledon. I was about 60 or 70 percent then. But I probably would have had an embarrassing loss.”

While Williams recovered, Myskina went 14-4 in her previous 18 matches, playing frequently and well. “She hadn't played in six months, so I didn't know what to expect”, Myskina admitted after the match.

When asked how she felt about being ranked Nº 139, Williams answered that it was devastating. “But I have no pressure on me. I have nowhere to go but up”, Serena finished.