Toronto — Serena Williams can now see the end, and that's what keeps her going.
Williams won her first victory since the 2021 French Open on Monday, defeating Nuria Paris Sudias 6-3, 6-4 at the Women's National Bank Open ..
"I'm getting closer to the light. That's it these days. I can't wait to get to that light," she later said, adding light represents "freedom." increase.
"But I love playing. It's amazing. I can't do this forever, so sometimes you want to do your best to enjoy the moment and do your best as much as you can. I have something to think about. ”
This is the second tournament of the season for 40-year-old Williams, who returned to the Wimbledon tournament about a month ago. The 23rd Grand Slam Championfell to Harmony Tanin the first round in three sets at the All England Club.
Prior to that, he last participated in the 2021 Wimbledon Tournament. .. After slipping on the surface of the grass, her hamstring broke and she retired in the middle of her first match.
"I feel good and I felt like I fought a lot today. I think that's what I had to do, just to compete," she said. "Mentally, I get there. I'm not the place I want to be (or) the usual place. Any match I play, whether I win or lose, helps me.
"Last year (even) I haven't played much for two years. I think it helps me physically. I actually feel much better, it's just Bringing it to court. Literally, I'm the kind of person who takes one or two things (where) and then clicks. "
Williams, 41 at the end of September, faces one of the following: 12th place Belinda Bencic or Tereza Martincov.
Williams won the tournament three times and advanced to the final with his last appearance at the 2019 Hardcourt event. He lost to Bianca Andreesque because of an injury.
But Williams hasn't played much since then and he knows he needs time on the court. Williams took his first two games relatively easily and got off to a strong start.
Parisus-Dias drew 2-2, but despite Williams struggling at some point, the 31-year-old Spaniard finds a consistent flow enough to move on. I couldn't. Williams found her rhythm, mixed her firm touch with her distinctive powers, and shot one after another out of the reach of Parisus Diaz.
Thanks to Williams' efforts, the fans roared and some bowed.
Williams wins the last three games to take the first set The second after the 57th place Parisus Diaz led 4-3. She endured a game of 9 deuces to hold a serve and even a set, and broke in the next game before winning.
"I'm happy to win. For a very long time I forgot what it was like," Williams said.
In the other opening round, Canada's Leylah Fernandez returned to the court, beating Australia's Storm Sanders 6-4, 6-7 (2), 6-3.
Fernandez has resumed activity for the first time since suffering a stress fracture in his leg when he lost to Martina Trevisan in the quarterfinals on May 31st. 13th place Fernandez will face Brazil's Beatrice Maia on Wednesday.
Also, Sloane Stephens has 3 sets of Sofia Kenin, 6- I broke it in 2. 6-7 (5), 7-5, 3 hours match interrupted twice by rain.
— Use AP