Venus falls at first hurdle in Cincinnati

Venus Williams rallied from 4-1 down in the first set but could not maintain momentum, the seven-time Grand Slam champion falling 6-4, 6-4 to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the first round of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open on Thursday.

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Williams, 45, was competing for the second time in three weeks after returning to the WTA tour in Washington in her first tournament in 16 months.

Williams won her first-round match in Washington before bowing out to Magdalena Frech in straight sets.

"I had so much fun out there, and there were definitely moments where I had a lot of chances," Williams said. "I thought she played super well. I have to definitely give her a lot of credit.

"It's hard for me to be upset," Williams added. "I know that I lost this match because I just, I need more matches.