Rebecca Marino earns respect from Venus Williams in second round loss at US Open

Playing on famed Arthur Ashe Stadium in the second round of the US Open, Vancouver native Rebecca Marino played like she belonged on the global stage as she dropped the match 7-6(3), 6-3 in one hour and 31 minutes to third-seeded Venus Williams of the United States.

"She (Marino) served so well," said Williams during her post-match interview on court. "I know what it’s like playing myself. She has a great future ahead of her."

Broken only once, Marino served eight aces, committing just two double faults. She scored 27 winners versus 24 by Williams. The Canadian, who was given much praise by American broadcasters throughout the match, realized how close she is to becoming a constant on Tour.

"It’s really not as far or scary as you think it is," said Marino. "It’s actually attainable. (Today) was pretty fun. I felt really relaxed out there. It was just the court, the referee, me and her."

The single service break came in the fourth game of the second set as Williams started to feel more confident and moved Marino to the sidelines more. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion then served at-love and took control of the match.

The opening set was a battle of the serves with neither player letting up. The high quality, dramatic set finished with a tiebreak and Marino came out aggressively, taking a mini-break at 3-1. However the more experienced Williams turned her play up a level and scored six straight points to close out the set.

She will receive 160 ranking points and approximately $38,000 (USD) for advancing to the second round of the US Open after winning three qualifying matches. Marino will return to Canada on Thursday where she will compete at the Bell Challenge in Quebec City.

Peter Polansky (Thornhill, Ontario) is the lone Canadian left in singles play. He faces American James Blake on Louis Armstrong Stadium Thursday afternoon (fourth match of the day). Should he advance, he would be the first Canadian male to reach the third round of the US Open since Davis Cup captain Martin Laurendeau reached the Round of 16 in 1988.