Venus back in orbit

Venus has had a tough couple of years with injury and loss of form. She still has to be careful to avoid aggravating a stomach injury she suffered in the semi-finals here two years ago. She played through the pain then but lost the final to Serena.

8220;It8217;s really hard on my stomach. I can8217;t serve that much. Even now I8217;m monitoring how much I do. I can8217;t play too many matches or else I kind of break down,8221; she said.

She has arrived at Wimbledon fit and healthy, however.

8220;I8217;m always working hard. I can8217;t do anything else. But it8217;s my personality so that8217;s why I8217;m fit,8221; she said.

Her obvious delight at reaching the semi-finals this year after going out in the second round in 2004 and seeded a lowly 14, showed in her skip, jump and broad grin after her victory over Pierce, during which she saved five set points.

8220;It was a tough tiebreak, it really was. I had quite a few set points against me. To pull that out and not to have to go to the third is really good,8221; she said.

8220;I8217;m just looking forward to raising my game in this next round.8221; Reuters