Rogers Cup: Sabine’s Lisickick

Lisicki knocks out Venus in straight sets at Rogers Cup

After a long rain delay Germany’s Sabine Lisicki made quick work of Venus Williams, strolling into the second round of the Rogers Cup on Monday after routing the American 6-0, 6-3.

Rain wiped out most of the opening day action but play finally resumed on the Toronto hardcourts late in the evening following a nine-hour wait with Williams and Lisicki walking out onto a near empty centre court.

For those who waited out the storm, the reward was brief as Lisicki needed just 66 minutes to dismiss the 14th seed.

“It’s always tough after a long rain delay, you don’t know if you are ever going to get onto the court and with a tough match against Venus,” said Lisicki.

“It’s always a pleasure to play her because you know you have to play well to beat her, so I’m really happy with my performance today.”

Lisicki, who got her North American hard-court campaign off to a shaky start with a first-round loss last week at Stanford, came out looking sharper and ready to play, opening the match with a break. Venus, trailing 3-0, had a chance to break back but could not convert as Lisicki held to forge further ahead.