Mar 20, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Serena Williams reacts after winning the first set against Yaroslava Shvedova (not pictured) on day four of the Sony Open at Crandon Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
MIAMI (Reuters) - World number one Serena Williams overcame a wobbly start to open the defence of her Sony Open crown with a spirited 7-6(9-7) 6-2 win over Kazakhstan's Yaroslava Shvedova on Thursday.
Fourth seeded Russian Maria Sharapova, who lost to Williams in last year's final, turned in a steady opening effort after a shock third round exit at Indian Wells last week, brushing past Japan's Kurumi Nara 6-3 6-4.
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