Serena Williams made a winning return to competitive tennis as she defeated Bernarda Pera at the Top Seed Open in Lexington.
Despite a slow start, Willams scored 4-6 6-4 6-1 in two hours and 15 minutes.
"I knew I could play a little bit better if I hung in," she said.
Serena advances to the second round and will face her older sister, Venus, who secured a 6-3 6-2 winner over Victoria Azarenka.
Elsewhere, 16-year-old world number 53 Coco Gauff overcame fellow American Caroline Dolehide 7-5 7-5.
The tournament played out to an empty arena following restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
'Brotherly Love', 'Colour Up' light up Dubai Racing Carnival opening night
Norris fastest in Sao Paulo practice as champion Antonelli returns to action
Rahm and Hatton join Laporta at Abu Dhabi summit
Dubai T100 adds men’s race as Hayden Wilde leads elite field
UAE secures first gold medal at Youth Olympics
