Venus says desire still burning

SEVEN-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams said her will to win was undimmed as she launched her 15th Australian Open campaign Tuesday with a victory over Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor.

The 34-year-old American, seeded 18 this year, breezed past the Spaniard 6-2, 6-2.

Williams said she was feeling match-fit after winning the Auckland Open warm-up event.

“I love the game, I love the thrill, I love the ‘Go Venus’,” she said.

“It takes a lot of work to get to this level, so while I can play I’m going to play, when I can’t I’m going to watch it on TV.”

Williams has made the final at Melbourne Park once, in 2003, along with one appearance in the semis and five in the quarters since she debuted in 1998.

She said she was not looking too far ahead into this year’s draw.

“My whole goal is to win my match, it’s just that simple, no one gives it to you,” she said.

She will play either compatriot Lauren Davis or Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic in the second round.