Venus struggles on Memphis return

Williams' wrist problems began at last year's French Open

Venus Williams had to battle past Japan's Akiko Morigami in the first round of the Memphis International in only her third match since Wimbledon.

The five-time Grand Slam winner, who has been afflicted by a wrist injury, finally came through 6-1 2-6 6-4.

"I didn't know how I would feel because my wrist was still feeling really sore in practice," admitted the 26-year-old.

"But I feel like my wrist is going to be fine. I'll probably be a little sore tomorrow but hopefully I'll be fine."

Williams, who was broken three times in the second set as Morigami levelled the match, was delighted to get through to the next round.

"I needed to win because I am not playing next week," said the former world number one who is currently ranked 53rd.

"I didn't want to come here and play one match and then have to wait two weeks to play another so it's good for me."

Williams' wrist problems started at last year's French Open and after Wimbledon, she did not play until October when her comeback in Luxembourg proved too hasty.

She will now face 16-year-old Dane Caroline Wozniacki in the second round.

French third seed Marion Bartoli was upset 7-5 4-6 6-0 by Laura Granville.

Australian Nicole Pratt and Americans Shenay Perry and Jill Craybas, seeded five, six and eight respectively, all progressed into the second round.

But ninth seed Vania King went down 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-0) to fellow American Abigail Spears.