This content was published 10 years ago. It may refer to a past edition of the Internazionali d’Italia.

Serena Williams began the defence of her Rome Masters title with a 6-2 6-2 win over Andrea Petkovic.
Williams junior took an hour and 16 minutes to make her way past the German on Foro Italico’s Centre court.
No.1 seed Williams had to pull out of the Madrid Masters with a thigh injury, but had no problems at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
Here’s what she had to say after winning.

Are you happy with your performance, how’s your injury?
I am very happy, I wasn’t sure how the leg was going to be because in practice is different than in a match, but it was good,

Did you decide last night you would definitely play?
I knew I am going to play, I am such a competitor and it broke my heart to pull out at Madrid, especially being the defending champ.

Are you 100% now?
Not 100% but it’s getting better, so that’s good, I feel it’s not going to get worse and it’s getting better.

How is important to you to get a title before going to Paris?
For me it’s important, but it’s not the end of the world if I don’t. For me it’s important to stay positive and play right, do the right things.

What is the right way to play for you?
For me it is doing the things my father taught me and things Patrick tells me. I don’t get too much into details.