Monday night at Madison Square Garden was as much about about Serena Williams as it was about the entire Tie Break Tens event.
The 23-time grand slam champion is in the process of finalising her preparations ahead of her return to competitive tennis in Indian Wells. Prior to the Fed Cup, Williams last played on the tour at the 2017 Australian Open when she defeated sister Venus in the final. Playing in her maiden Tie Break Tens event, where matches are the first to ten points, she illustrated glimmers of her usual top quality tennis.
“I mean, the matches are definitely a good way to know where you are, but obviously she knows how to play,” Venus said about the return of her sister. “She’s going to bring that instinct on the court with her, so I don’t think she’s too worried about that.”
In the first round of the event, Williams rallied to a 10-5 win over Marion Bartoli. Another player who is also set to make their comeback to professional tennis. Despite the solid start, the former world No.1 was halted in the semi-finals by China’s Zhang Shuai. Shuai edged out the American 13-11.
“It was good. I was so close, I wish I had made a few more shots, but she played really well.” She said after her defeat.
Despite being in the early stages of her comeback, Williams is aiming high ahead of Indian Wells. An event she hasn’t won since 2001. Saying that she is having fun on the court again.
“I think everyone should have high expectations,” she explained. “You should always believe in yourself even if no one else does.”
This was such an intense match! @zhangshuai121 wins against @serenawilliams and goes through to the final! #TB10NewYork pic.twitter.com/0HL3z4wxon
— Tie Break Tens (@tiebreaktens) 6 March 2018
During an interview with the BBC, Williams believes that now is the right time to return to action. Even though she admits that there is still a way for her to go to reach her top form.
“I’m ready, or else I wouldn’t be here,” she said.
“If I’m not ready now, I’m just never going to be ready. I feel in two months I’ll be way better than I am now, but you have to start somewhere. I don’t want to keep sitting on the sidelines and thinking about it.”
At Indian Wells, Williams is set to play Zarina Diyas in the first round of the tournament later this week.
Svitolina’s magic
In the midst of the media frenzy surrounding Williams, world No.4 Elina Svitolina obliterated her opponents in the competition. The Ukrainian strolled to the title, which includes a $250,000 pay packet, by dropping just six points. The run saw her dismiss Venus Williams (10-3), Coco Vandeweghe (10-0) and Shuai (10-3).
“It was an amazing night. It is definitely going to stand out in my memories.” Said Svitolina. “Playing here in Madison Square Gardens against so many great players. Seeing Serena coming back, (playing) against Venus in my first match, it was something really special for me.
“I’m really happy with the way I am playing and I’m really happy to win.” She added.
The 23-year-old embarks upon the American hard court swing in solid form. Since January, she has won 14 out of 16 matches played on the tour. Claiming titles in Dubai and Brisbane. She is currently the only player to have won multiple WTA titles this season.
“Of course, winning the first tournament of the year was a great start for me,” she said. “It’s always tough to transfer the work we do in the offseason, so this was a good sign that I’m moving the right way and I’m very, very happy that I played good tennis throughout the beginning of the year and just from here I can go only up.”
Svitolina, who will be seeded fourth in Indian Wells, will start her campaign against either Mona Barthel or Veronica Cepede Royg.
