She’s back! ‘Over a year and a kid later’, Serena Williams wins again

After being away for 404 days, Serena Williams made a triumphant singles return as she won her opening match at Indian Wells.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner had not played a competitive singles match since she won the 2017 Australian Open while being pregnant, and she looked a little bit rusty during her 7-5, 6-3 win over Zarina Diyas.
Welcome back, @SerenaWilliams!
The 23-time Grand Slam champion marks her return with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Diyas at @BNPPARIBASOPEN! pic.twitter.com/BEJrOUkSrP
— WTA (@WTA) March 9, 2018
The American, who gave birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia in September, produced 27 unforced errors and also lost her serve twice in the second set, but luckily for her she broke Diyas three times.
She received a standing ovation when she walked onto the court and an hour and half later she had completed her first singles win since January 2017.
“It was incredible. It’s been over a year and a kid later. I get to go home to her now and I’m excited about that,” the 36-year-old said.
“It definitely wasn’t easy but it was good. I’m a little rusty but it doesn’t matter. I’m just out here on this journey doing the best I can.”
“To all the ladies out there here, Happy #InternationalWomensDay. I’m so excited to play on this night, it was meant to be!”
We agree, @SerenaWilliams! pic.twitter.com/7ver7nGr8j
— WTA (@WTA) March 9, 2018
Latest
-
French Open
‘Carlos Alcaraz the most complete 20-year-old, but his backhand gets a B+’
How many Grand Slams will Carlos Alcaraz win?
-
French Open
Tennis should use video replays, says Cameron Norrie after latest umpiring gaffe
British No 1 benefited from a double bounce during his win against Lucas Pouille.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic admits being fuelled by ‘drama’ as Kosovo comments fall-out continues
The Serbian stayed away from political statements after his second-round win over Martin Fucsovics in Paris.
-
French Open
French Open day four: Carlos Alcaraz and Taro Daniel produce tweener special, Nick Kyrgios a happy man
The story of the fourth day of action at the French Open.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic reveals what is driving him towards French Open glory
Novak Djokovic admitted he is fuelled by drama as the fall-out continued from his controversial message about Kosovo after his latest win.
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz ‘really happy with my level’ after win over world No 97
World No 1 dropped set to world No 97.
-
French Open
Cameron Norrie ‘sorry to take another Frenchman out’ at French Open
The British number one took on the French Open crowd again in a 6-1 6-3 6-3 victory.
-
News
Home hope Caroline Garcia suffers shock exit at Roland Garros
Garcia saved eight match points but could not find a way through to the last 32.
-
French Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas says that playing on clay cleanses his soul
Stefanos Tsitsipas really loves playing on clay and he isn’t afraid to let it show.
-
French Open
Peyton Stearns credits college tennis with preparing her for intense French Open atmosphere
Peyton Stearns upset former French Open champions Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 1-6, 6-2.