(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Venus Williams stepped up her preparation for what will be her 17th US Open this month with a win over Zarina Diyas 7-6 (6), 6-4 for a place in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters on Monday.
The 35-year-old, who claimed the US Open title in 2000 and 2001, admitted that while her best days on court might be behind her, she still harbours a massive competitive urge.
"I like to win just like everyone else, I want to win all my matches. There is no match that I plan on losing.
"You don't go into the match saying, 'I'll lose this one and win the next one.' You prepare your best to win every single time."
Monday's victory after a two-hour rain delay ended a few early losses for the 22nd-ranked American as Williams played the ATP-WTA event for the fifth time. Her best showing was a 2013 semi-final, losing to eventual champion Li Na.
Since losing to sister Serena in the fourth round at Wimbledon, Venus has gone out in the first round in Istanbul and Toronto.
Williams is keeping her focus on Cincinnati this week, with the Open starting in a fortnight.
"The Open is still not here yet so my mind really isn't there. Of course, preparations are under way, but still doesn't feel that close.
"When it happens, it happens. I'm still in the moment."
Joining Williams in advancing was another former number one, Serb Jelena Jankovic, who beat Madison Brengle of the US 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
American Coco Vandeweghe put out Kazakh Yulia Putintseva 6-3, 6-2 before early evening rain returned briefly to delay the programme again.
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