Henin keen to get over Wimbledon loss with good show in Toronto

She returned to action for the Bank of the West Classic, but lost in her first match to Lilia Osterloh (ranked 106th). Last week, she was ousted in the second round of the East West Bank Classic by Russian Maria Kirilenko.

"It's hard to bounce back after such great results, especially because it was the first time for me," Bartoli said of her recent results. "I think I came back to the tour a little too early, I think it was a mistake. My body was so tired, I just got sick."

She's also been struggling with an injury to her right wrist that's been bothering her since battling the powerful Williams at Wimbledon.

"I've never experienced that kind of serve before . . . it was too much `first time in a row,"' she said.

Bartoli pointed out it was her first time playing in a grand slam final, and her first time facing Williams, who serves at a blistering 125 miles an hour.

"It was just too much `first time,"' Bartoli said.

Her wrist still bore a pronounced tan line on Monday from the tape she's been wearing to speed the healing. But she insists she's fine.

"I feel I've recovered well and now I'm ready to go on court and compete at my best level."