Serena Williams at Fed Cup: ‘Today was a big eye opener’ (Yahoo Sports)

Serena Williams thought she was ready for the clay-court season. ”Today has been a big eye opener,” Williams said after coming back from a set down to post a windy, error-filled 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-3 win over Sara Errani on Sunday in a Fed Cup playoff against Italy. Brindisi-born Flavia Pennetta then routed 65th-ranked Christina McHale 6-1, 6-1 and Pennetta and Errani beat Williams and Alison Riske 6-0, 6-3 in the decisive doubles match to give Italy a 3-2 win. So I have to play and be ready to hit a thousand shots if necessary.” Williams also won her opening singles match Saturday but the U.S. sorely missed her sister Venus Williams, who withdrew from the U.S. team due to a personal matter.