STANFORD: Second seeded American Venus Williams defeated Stephanie Dubois of Canada 6-2, 6-3 in the opening round of the $700,000 WTA Bank of the West Classic on Tuesday.

Serena had to work for her 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) victory over China’s Li Na. “It was a great match to get my rhythm, hit a lot of balls and work on my shots,” said Williams, who won titles here in 2000 and 2002. “It’s all about the mentality. I usually

adjust pretty quickly.

I do want to try new and different things.”

In other matches, Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia outlasted Aleksandra Wozniak 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. Defending champion Wozniak became the first Canuck in 20 years to capture a Tour title when she won in 2008.

Na had her serve broken three times in the opening set but rallied in the tiebreaker from 6-2 down to level at 6-6. Serena won it on the seventh match point. Serena rarely gives opponents credit in post-game talks preferring to discuss the high and low points of her own game. But she did manage to praised Na for the way she battled.