Edmund out in Italy but Serena wins

Kyle Edmund bowed out of the Internazionali BNL d’italia in Rome when he lost in the first round to Fernando Verdasco.

The Briton took the first set 6-4, but Spaniard Verdasco hit back to win the second and third 6-4, 6-2 and wrapped up victory in two hours and 23 minutes.

The 2010 Rome semifinalist, who converted five of the 16 break points he earned against Edmund, will meet fifth seed Dominic T hie min the second round.

Serena Williams opened her clay-court season in Rome with a routine 6-4, 6-2 win over Swedish qualifier Rebecca Peterson.

Williams, who was playing for the first time since withdrawing from Miami in March because of a knee injury, fell behind 3-1 in the first set but then began to take control with her baseline power on a windy day at the Foro Italico.

When Williams ran down a passing attempt from Peterson and replied with a cross-court winner to break for 5-2 in the second set, she let out a scream and pumped her fists. In the final game, Williams served two aces and saved two break points before closing out the match.

If Venus Williams wins her match against Eli se M er tens, the Williams sisters will meet in the second round.