Serena Williams has made a winning return to the WTA Tour after easing to a straight sets win over Daria Gavrilova in her opening match at the Yarra Valley Classic on Monday.
Williams, who had a bye in the first round due to her ranking, eased to a 6-1, 6-4, victory over the Australian after 89 minutes of play. The encounter was her first taste of competitive tennis since September at the French Open when she pulled out of the second round due to injury. Fortunately for the American there were no signs of physical issues in her latest encounter as she hit two aces and 27 winners en route to booking a place in the third round.
“I feel that I was definitely composed and in the zone, I guess. Just trying to do the things I have been working on,” Williams commented on her latest victory.
After a tentative start to the match where she had to save three break points in her first game, Williams soon found her footing on the court as the match progressed. A five-game winning streak in which she broke her rivals serve twice was enough for her to secure the first set with relative ease.
Gavrilova, who is a former top junior who has been ranked as high as 20th in the world prior to injury, proved to be more problematic in the second frame for the multiple Grand Slam champion. However, it still wasn’t enough to derail Williams who broke once again midway through the set before closing the match out with her first match point opportunity.
“It feels good to be back here (in Melbourne Park). It feels different being here and playing but not playing the Australian Open. But it’s good as all of us players need to get some matches,” said the world No.11.
The 39-year-old is aiming to clinch a record equalling 24th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open later this month and to do so in front of fans. In recent months many tournaments had been played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this isn’t the case in Australia.
“It was definitely different going the whole year playing without anyone in the crowd. In Adelaide it was really cool to see that,” said Williams who took part in the Day at the Drive exhibition last Friday.
“I look forward to the upcoming days,” she added.
In the third round Williams faces a showdown against Tsvetana Pironkova who she beat in three sets during the US Open last year.
