Serena wins her first game in comeback after giving birth
23-time women's singles Grand Slam champion Serena Williams made a winning return to tennis. The veteran star won her 1st round match against Zarina Diyas in straight sets 7-5, 6-3. It was her first singles match after the 2017 Australian Open final which she had won while being 8-weeks pregnant. Here is our report of Serena's first game against Zarina.
Serena wins hearts after victory
The 36-year-old received a standing ovation on her return to court. Her husband Alexis Ohanian was in the crowd cheering the American. Despite being a bit rusty, as expected, she looked in great touch throughout the game and laid a strong foundation. She stated that it wasn't easy, but the return made her feel good.
What's on offer for Serena?
The tennis queen will next face 29th-seeded Dutch player Kiki Bertens. A possible third round match could be on the cards against sister Venus Williams, who was there to witness her match. After missing the action for 404 days, this was a sweet return.
Journey from Australian Open 2017 to Indian Wells
Serena won the 2017 Australian Open while being eight weeks pregnant. It was a landmark achievement for the serial winner, who went past Steffi Graf's 22 Grand Slam titles. She missed the rest of the season. Serena gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia on September 1, 2017. Post her child-birth, she had health complications, including blood clots in her lungs.
Win for returning Azarenka as well
Victoria Azarenka also made a winning return to the Indian Wells after a 6-4, 6-2 win over Heather Watson. The 2012 and 2016 champion will next face 13th seed and 2017 US Open winner Sloane Stephens. She was facing child custody issues since last summer.
