Serena 'back to reality'

Serena Williams, back on court for the first time since winning her fourth straight Grand Slam title, eased into the quarter-finals of the Gaz de France Open in Paris yesterday. She outclassed Switzerland's Myriam Casanova 6-0, 6-4.

The 17-year-old Casanova, ranked 53rd, lost serve four times overall and, though she fought hard in the second set, holding serve four times and trading fierce blows from the back court, it was to no avail.

"The first match you play after a big win like in Melbourne brings you back to reality," Williams said. "You do so well, you put all your energy into a Grand Slam, and you really have to focus when you come back."

Williams raced through the first set in just 19 minutes, but committed unexpected errors when Casanova fought harder in a second set that lasted 40 minutes.