Williams was competing in her first official singles match since January 2017 AP Photo/Crystal ChathamOn International Women’s Day, it seemed fitting that Serena Williams, at the age of 36, made a successful official singles comeback at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, six months after becoming a mother. Williams defeated Zarina Diyas, the world No 53 from Kazakhstan, 7-5, 6-3 in her first match since January 28, 2017, when she won her 23rd grand-slam title at the Australian Open. Her serving was impressive as ever but understandably, after such a long absence, her groundstrokes were a little rusty. “I’m not putting too much pressure on myself at this tournament,” said Williams. “I went in there knowing I’m not going to be at my best these first few matches.

Source: The Times March 09, 2018 09:00 UTC