Serena Williams celebrated her first singles victory in 14 months by defeating Spaniard Nuria Parrizas Diaz to advance to the second round of the 2022 National Bank Open in Toronto.
The American great, 40, showed glimpses of her vintage ball-striking in a 6-3, 6-4 victory over the world No. 57.
Williams’ last singles win dates back to the 2021 French Open. Then she plays either Olympic champion Belinda Bencic or Tereza Martincova.
Williams returned to singles action in June after a year-long absence from Wimbledon after speculation she might retire. When asked what prompted her to keep playing, she said: “I think there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“It’s been like that for me lately. I can’t wait to get to that light. I love playing, so it’s great, but you know, I can’t do it forever.
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“Sometimes you just want to do your best to enjoy the moments and do your best.”
Williams, a three-time champion at the Toronto event, received warm and vocal support from the crowd in her first hard-court game since the 2021 Australian Open. She and Parrizas Diaz exchanged breaks in the early stages before a backhand shot gave the 23-time big winner a 5-3 lead and a chance to serve for the set.
Williams then saved a break point of her own, before finally taking the set with another hit on the net.
Although her serve and her movement weren’t the best, she produced an excellent defense to save another break point and keep the second set serving.
This continued in a 25-minute nine-two serve game, with Williams somehow coming in before beating Parrizas Diaz in the next game.
After converting her first match point, Williams congratulated her 31-year-old opponent and told her that she “played really well” before acknowledging the crowd. The Toronto competition is one of several warm-up events for the US Open, which begins on August 29.
Wimbledon champions Elena Rybakina and Simona Halep also advanced on an opening day
