Top Seed Open: Serena Williams wins on return, to face Venus next

Dylan Buell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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.

More from Sports News

On Virgin Radio today

Trending on Virgin Radio

  • BRED Abu Dhabi

    BRED Abu Dhabi, Presented by Hypebeast, is back April 24-28 in Yas Bay. The line up is next level and locked in.

  • Bassem Youssef

    One of the most talked about comedians in the world takes over The Kris Fade Show. Watch the full interview here...

  • Jason Derulo on the Kris Fade Show!

    The super-star and multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, Jason Derulo is bringing the heat to Dubai.

  • Untold Dubai

    It arrived: The UAE's First Mega Music Festival at Expo City Dubai!