‘Onserena’ double act serve up another win as Williams fires Wimbledon warning

The new “Onserena” doubles team made it two from two at the Rothesay International Eastbourne on Wednesday with Serena Williams able to fire a warning to her rivals with numerous flashes of brilliance.

A 6-2 6-4 win over Shuko Aoyama and Chan Hao-ching was sealed in just over an hour on Centre Court to put the makeshift pair two more victories away from lifting silverware on the south coast.

Williams produced several aces and winners, especially at the net, despite shadows gathering at Devonshire Park to show the 23-time grand-slam champion may just be a contender at SW19 next week.

“Oh yeah, I don’t know if you know the team name? It’s Onserena,” the 40-year-old revealed.

“I have had some really good training leading up to Wimbledon and up to this tournament, really hitting the ball well and just working out. It’s been working and it’s just been connecting.

“I feel like I have been serving well so that’s been really good. Working really hard on that. I have been returning well. I’ve missed a lot today, but the young ladies they were serving really well, the ball was staying lower, but yes, those two shots have really come together for me.”

Jabeur, in keeping with her tone for this week where she has lavished praise on her doubles partner, purred over Williams’ serve.

The Tunisian did play her part with some deft touches at the net but soon enough they will be rivals at the All England Club for the third major of 2022.

When Williams announced a shock return to tennis on June 14, it put an end to retirement rumours after long-term coach Patrick Mouratoglou started to work with Simona Halap earlier this year.

A wild card entry into the doubles at Eastbourne was agreed to give the seven-time Wimbledon champion some match