Long wait doesn't hold back Serena Williams.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

NEW YORK _ The almost blustery temperatures and steady drizzle made it a perfect day to stay indoors. If only it weren't Day Seven of the U.S. Open.

For the second time in four days inclement weather toyed with the schedule. Serena Williams, scheduled to go on at 11 a.m. Sunday on Arthur Ashe Stadium, managed to hit a few balls in the early morning before the courts turned slippery and forced a six-and-a-half-hour delay.

The long wait didn't appear to bother Williams against 24th seed Daja Bedanova of Russia. The top seeded player broke Bedanova in the first game, and wrapped up the first set in 18 minutes after Bedanova double faulted three times on break points.

Williams finished off the match, 6-1, 6-1, in 41 minutes, and committed just ...