I knew it was going to be a tough battle, says Sharapova

MARIA Sharapova and Patty Schnyder rolled back the years in their first-round clash under the lights at the US Open.

Having served for the match at 5-1 in the second set, Sharapova eventually battled to a 6-2 7-6 (8-6) victory, ending Schnyder’s Grand Slam comeback at the age of 39.

The pair had met eight times before, but not since 2008 when they were both at the top of the game.

Sharapova said: “I knew I was in for a battle no matter what her story or my story. Just go out on court and relieve the memories of all the times we’ve played each other. For her to come back and have the desire is really admirable. I’m just really happy I was able to win that last point.”

Schnyder’s victory in the final round of qualifying made her the oldest player to take that route into a Grand Slam in the Open era, with this her first appearance on one of the sport’s biggest stages since her retirement in 2011.

Schnyder said: “It actually doesn’t feel so special and it doesn’t feel like I’ve been gone for such a while. It has been part of my life for so long.

“It’s the passion of my life and itwasgreattobeouttherebutit was nothing too special.”

Sharapova made her own return to Grand Slam tennis in New York 12 months ago following her 15-month doping ban and defeated Simona Halep in a blockbuster clash, going on to make the fourth round.

Caroline Wozniacki used imaginary margaritas to keep her cool, saying after her 6-3 6-2 victory over former champion Sam Stosur: “I just pretend I’m on the beach with a margarita in hand.”

Meanwhile, Venus Williams beat Italy’s Camila Giorgi 6-4 7-5 to set up a possible third-round match against sister Serena.

Venus, seeded 16th, said the crowd’s encouragement had helped her.

“I felt the energy,” Venus said. “That love-40 game at four all was not looking good and you guys got me through that.”