Serena Williams struggles but wins in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Top-seeded Serena Williams faced some early struggles before defeating Russia's Ekaterina Makarova 7-6 (8), 6-0 in the second round of the Dubai Championships on Tuesday.

Williams has been sidelined with a back injury since losing to Ana Ivanovic in the fourth round of the Australian Open last month.

It took Williams the first set to adjust to the left-handed Makarova's ability to jam many of her shots into the top-ranked American's body.

Williams says ''I felt a little rusty, but it was okay. Body is fine. I just had to get my feet moving.''