Serena Williams shook off the rust from a 15-month layoff due to pregnancy to win her opening match at the WTA Indian Wells event with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Zarina Diyas. Williams entered the court Thursday night to a loud ovation, with many in the half full stadium standing and applauding as she came out of the tunnel for just her third appearance in Indian Wells in the last 17 years. The 36-year-old American is the star attraction in Indian Wells, but behind her popularity this year was the mystery surrounding her match fitness and ball-striking ability. After a couple of exhibitions and a Davis Cup doubles match, Williams was eager to hit with the big guns on the WTA Tour again. Indian Wells features a star-studded women's field in a tournament that looks wide open for the taking by any of the top 10 seeds, led by world number one Simona Halep.

Source: dna March 09, 2018 06:33 UTC