San Diego, CA (AHN) - It wasn't Wimbledon, but Venus Williams proved she can be just as effective on a smaller stage on Monday, pounding Anastasia Rodionova 6-3, 6-0 in the first round of the Acura Classic.

Williams needed just 50 minutes to dispatch the Russian in her first WTA tournament since winning her fourth Wimbledon crown, a strong performance in a straight-set victory over France's Marion Bartoli.

Williams was pleased with her solid play, particularly her forehand and credited her opponent for getting her prepared to perform well.

"I felt that I had to tell myself to give that extra effort," Williams told AP. "It's the ultimate challenge to play someone so competitive right after Wimbledon."

Williams, ranked No. 16 in the world, got stronger as the match went on, taking the second set in just 21 minutes, breaking serve twice.