Montreal Masters: Venus Williams revels in ‘awesome’ first Canada win

Venus Williams described her first win on Canadian soil as “awesome” after her three-set victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova at Montreal Masters.

The 34-year-old avenged back-to-back losses to the Russian in 2009 as the seven-time Grand Slam winner won 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 on Tuesday.

Hopefully I can build on this momentum for the rest of the week

Venus Williams

And Williams, who won her only WTA title of 2014 in Dubai, was clearly thrilled to get past a tricky opponent in the Rogers Cup in Montreal.

“It felt awesome,” Williams is quoted as saying by WTA’s site.

“It was a tough draw for both of us. We’re both obviously very good players. She’s also a dangerous player for the top players as well, because she can just do everything well. When she’s on, it’s sometimes very difficult to stop her. So it felt good to get through it.

“Hopefully I can build on this momentum for the rest of the week.”

On her first Canada win, Williams added: “It’s 2014. I can’t believe that I’ve never been here,” Williams said after the match.

“I’ve been excited all summer about coming to Montreal. It’s a new city, a new place. I’ve heard so much about the city, how it has a European flare. So finally, 20 years after I turned pro, I’m here!”

Williams faces No12 seed Flavia Pennetta in the second round in Monteal, and the American isn’t taking the threat posed by her Italian opponent lightly.

“I’ll never underestimate anyone,” Williams said. “She came through the qualifying. She beat Flavia, who has had an amazing year, coming back from injury, and another powerful, wise player.

“She must be playing well, so I’ve got to be ready.”