MADRID, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Former world number one tennis player Serena Williams this Monday explained why she continues to enjoy playing professional tennis.
Williams spoke to the press following a comfortable 6-3, 6-1 win against Elena Vesnina in the first round of the Mutua Madrid Open, where she is the number nine seed.
Williams said that she didn't really enjoy early starts, but added that at least she got good results in early matches.
"I am feeling good, but it's just the first round. It doesn't matter who you play, but I hope to keep up my good form and to keep on going. I don't feel as much pressure these days. I am competitive and when I go on court I want to perform my best. I aim to go out and to do things right. If I do that, then I hope that the results will follow," commented Williams, who was asked what her motivation was to continue playing aged 30.
"I love playing tennis," she replied. "I love walking on court and have people coming to see me play. It is still a thrill and I see it as the ultimate compliment that I have a talent that people come to watch."
Number three seed Petra Kvitova enjoyed a comfortable debut in Madrid to defeat Marina Erakovic in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.
Meanwhile China's Peng Shuai was involved in a long match against the Czech qualifier Lucie Hradecka.
Hradecka took the first set 6-4, taking advantage of a more effective serve, but Peng, who is ranked 22nd in the World, fought back to win the second set 7-5.
However Hradecka was not to be denied and was again the stronger player in the final set, getting an early break of serve and holding on to win match. She will now meet Kvitkova in the next round.
Peng's defeat leaves Li Na as the only Chinese player remaining in the singles competition.