Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Some leading men are unhappy with the blue clay on which the Madrid Masters is being played, but Serena Williams had no complaints yesterday. "I haven't noticed a difference between the blue and the red clay," Williams said after a 6-3, 6-1 win over Elena Vesnina. "I think it's the same. It's just you don't get as dirty."
Williams is rarely at her best on clay. Although she won the title at Roland Garros 10 years ago, in her last five visits she has never made it beyond the quarter-finals.
The world No 9 has played nine matches on clay in 2012 and has yet to drop a set. Indeed, the only title she has won since August was on clay at Charleston last month.
Williams needed just 69 minutes to beat Vesnina, runner-up in last week's clay-court event in Budapest. Williams hit 14 aces, dropped just seven points in eight service games and broke Vesnina four times. The defending champion Petra Kvitova beat New Zealand's Marina Erakovic 6-2, 6-3.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments