Lindsay Davenport makes winning return to clay at Amelia Island

By Jeff Elliott

AMELIA ISLAND, Florida (Reuters) - Lindsay Davenport marked her first claycourt match in three years with victory over wild card entry Vania King 6-2 6-3 in the opening round of the Amelia Island Championships on Tuesday.

Davenport needed just 57 minutes to dispose of her fellow American opponent, using a strong service game to make up for an erratic return of service effort.

"It's been three years since I've even set foot on a clay court. It's definitely not my strong suit playing on it but I like playing this tournament a lot," Davenport told reporters.

"I was able to serve really well so that obviously helped. I didn't return well at all which was really disheartening. But different bounces on clay, different footwork you've got to get used to."

Davenport's last claycourt appearance was in 2005 when she lost to Mary Pierce in the French Open quarter-finals.

The difference between her success in winning points on her serve compared to King's serve was overwhelming in the second set. Davenport won 16 of 18 points off her serve but struggled with returning King's serve, winning just nine of 24 points.

Davenport never lost her serve in the match and broke King twice in both sets.

"My serve was the key to the match. I feel I serve very well on that particular court," said Davenport, who is attempting to become the first four-times winner of this event.

"I've got to try and play a hard court game on this court. The important thing for me to remember is every day and every match that I get under my belt, I improve immensely. So I just want to stay in the tournament long enough to hopefully reach the best point I can play at."

Davenport will take on another American when she meets Jill Craybas in the second round on Wednesday.

(Editing by Sonia Oxley)