Serena wins on return
Serena Williams shook off the rust from a 15-month layoff due to pregnancy to win her opening match at the WTA Indian Wells event with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Zarina Diyas.
The unseeded Williams was the top-ranked player in the world when she began her long layoff following her victory at the 2017 Australian Open, where she was already expecting daughter Alexis Olympia who was born in September.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. After a couple of exhibitions and a Fed Cup doubles match, Williams said Thursday she is ready to hit with the big guns on the Tour again.
"I am not going to be there today or next week but I will get there and I do have my goals," Williams said.
"At some point I need to jump and fly. It takes time to get back."
Williams entered the court Thursday night to a loud ovation, with many in the half full stadium standing and applauding as she came out of the tunnel for just her third appearance in Indian Wells in the last 17 years.