Belinda Bencic of Switzerland and Venus Williams of the United States shake hands after the former won the match on Day one of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park, in Melbourne, Australia on Monday. | Photo Credit: Reutersmore-inBelinda Bencic sent an early shockwave through the Australian Open by dumping last year's finalist Venus Williams out of the first round with an impressive 6-3 7-5 win on Monday. In a tense grand slam opener that felt more like a final, Venus battled to keep touch in an enthralling second set but Bencic unleashed two blazing forehand winners to close out the match in the 12th game. Belinda Bencic of Switzerland reacts after winning her first round match against Venus Williams of the United States on Day one of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park, in Australia on Monday. | Photo Credit: ReutersThe resurgent Bencic will meet the winner of Johanna Larsson and Luksika Kumkhum in the next round.

Source: The Hindu January 15, 2018 04:17 UTC