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

  • Non Stop Hits

    Midnight - 6:00am

    The UAE's #1 Hit Music Station with no interruptions

  • The Kris Fade Show

    6:00am - 10:00am

    Kris, Priti and Rossi host the UAE's biggest radio show. It's full of fun, laughs and it's Where The Stars Live.

Trending on Virgin Radio

  • If Craig David had a verse on Azizam

    The legendary Craig David joins The Kris Fade Show for an unforgettable chat!

  • ARN News Centre

    Get the latest UAE and world news from our award winning team of journalists. The ARN News Centre is the country's most trusted source of information.

  • Untold Dubai

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

  • Ed Sheeran - UAE EXCLUSIVE

    Latest album, what happened with BTS, raising a baby girl, eye surgery, and more!