Associated Press
WIMBLEDON, England ó Five points into her opening match at Wimbledon, Venus Williams slipped and went sprawling on the grass she loves.
The five-time champion recovered from her stumble at the start Tuesday and defeated Stefanie Voegele 6-3, 6-2.
It was Williams’ first appearance on Centre Court since the 2008 final, when she beat sister Serena for her second Wimbledon title in a row.
“I really enjoyed being out there,” Venus said. “It’s a special moment when you walk back as defending champion on that court.”
Other players also took a tumble ó Andy Roddick went down once during his victory, and even a ball boy fell on his face ó and the biggest stumble was by Marat Safin. The two-time Grand Slam champion lost to qualifier Jesse Levine of Boca Raton, Fla., 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4.
Roddick followed Williams onto Centre Court and beat big-swinging Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3. Roddick, seeded sixth, had only nine unforced errors and hit 46 winners, including 20 aces. He improved to 20-3 in tiebreakers this year.
Roddick was Wimbledon runner-up to Roger Federer in 2004 and 2005, but Andy Murray of Britain is considered the biggest obstacle for Federer this year.