Serena Resurfacing at Manhattan Beach

Serena Williams, last seen at Wimbledon playing with an upset stomach, will return to the court for a shot at her third consecutive Estyle.com Classic title at Manhattan Beach this week.

She has spent much of the last few weeks training in Florida, practicing and working on her fitness to prepare for the tournament, and she has taken a little time off too.

“I always take some time out for myself,” Williams said Friday at La Costa. “It’s tough, especially when you’re training hard, but we had some fun at home. Venus [Williams] was there too, for a few weeks, and it was good just to hang out.”

The WTA Tier II tournament, in its 31st year, has expanded its draw from 28 to 48 players. It will feature six of the world’s top 10 players and 11 of the top 20, including Monica Seles, two-time champion Lindsay Davenport, Kim Clijsters and Martina Hingis.

The purse has increased to $565,000, and matches will begin a day earlier than in the past. Opening play will coincide with today’s final of the Acura Classic at La Costa.

“It makes it a little difficult,” said tournament director Gus Sampras, brother of Pete Sampras, regarding the scheduling of the first matches.

“But due to the extension of the draw, we’re going to have unbelievable day sessions. In the past, you would have to wait until the evening to see a marquee matchup. Now this just gives the public a lot of opportunity to see great players in the daytime too.”

The addition of 20 players not only gives fans the opportunity to see their favorite players, it also allows lower-seeded players to tune up before the U.S. Open.

“This being so close to the Open, the tour wanted to make sure that more players were playing, and that there were more opportunities for the girls in the 30-50 ranking,” Sampras said.

What would a third victory for Williams do for her morale heading into the Open?

“For some reason, I’ve always had really good results in L.A.,” Williams said. “Maybe it’s because I’m from there originally, and the crowd is always good to me. But because of all those reasons, it is a very special tournament to me, and I definitely am going after that third title. It would mean a lot to me to be standing there again on Sunday with the winner’s trophy.”

The Williams sisters are scheduled to appear at a tribute to their coach and father, Richard, today in Holmby Hills. The event is also a fund-raiser for the Venus and Serena Williams Tutorial/Tennis Academy. Details: (323) 292-6844.

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Today’s Matches

Today in the first round at the Estyle.com Classic at the Manhattan Country Club in Manhattan Beach:

10 A.M., Stadium Court

* Meilen Tu vs. Anne Kremer followed by Daja Bendanova vs. Janet Lee; followed by Alicia Molik vs. Mirjana Lucic; followed by Cory Ann Avants vs. Marissa Irvin; followed by Jana Kandarr vs. Lilia Osterloh.

10 A.M., Grandstand Court

* Tatiana Panova vs. Rita Grande; followed by Anne-Gaelle Sidot vs. Virginie Razzano; followed by Marlene Weingartner vs. Elena Bovina; followed by Kristina Brandi vs. Rika Fujwara; followed by Pavalina Nola vs. Janette Husarova.