Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 29 May 2007 /

Venus Williams felt she put down a marker as she overcame French teenager Alize Cornet in one of only six rain-interrupted games to be completed at the French Open on Monday.

Williams was in danger of losing the first set at 4-4 but her 17-year-old opponent missed a break point.

The big-hitting American, who is still working her way back to full strength after a wrist injury, looked short of rhythm and dropped her serve three times but her experience eventually told as she went on to claim a gritty 6-4 6-3 victory.

Williams will now face Ashley Harkleroad in the second round at Roland Garros and is the overwhelming 1.08 favourite in Betfair's developing match odds market. Her fellow American is not fancied at 11.

"The most important thing is I'm on tour, then things can happen," said Williams. "I am just happy to be back out there and fit.
"But I'm a winner. I am counting my blessings but I definitely expect things from myself."

Williams has never won the French Open and lost to her sister, Serena, in the 2002 final in Paris.

Venus can be backed at 17 in Betfair's To Reach The Final market, while she is also trading as a 48 outsider in the outright winner market to claim her first title at Roland Garros.

Justin Henin, who is chasing her fourth French Open title - and third successive crown in Paris - is the 2.7 favourite.

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