Venus Williams wins opening match at Italian Open

Venus Williams advances in Rome

ROME — Venus Williams has won her first match in a month, defeating Patty Schnyder of Switzerland 6-2, 6-2 at the Italian Open.

A knee problem had sidelined the fourth-seeded Williams since losing the Key Biscayne final.

She was broken by Schnyder on her first service game in each set Tuesday, but then went on to hold serve and break the Swiss veteran six times. She saved three break points before serving out the match at the Foro Italico.

Also in action Tuesday is sister Serena Williams, the world No. 1, who takes on another Swiss, Timea Bacsinszky.