After Extended Tennis Layoff, Capriati Returns Triumphantly

Jennifer Capriati made a triumphant return to the women’s tour Wednesday, easily defeating her first-round opponent at the Essen tournament for her first victory in 2-1/2 years.

Launching with gusto into her long-awaited return from tennis burnout, teenage rebellion and drug rehabilitation, Capriati overwhelmed seventh-seeded Kristie Boogert of the Netherlands 6-1, 6-2 on the indoor surface.

Capriati made up for bouts of apparent nervousness and a tentative serve with powerful, precise returns. Boogert, ranked 32nd in the world, never found her rhythm against her 19-year-old American opponent.