Optimistic Serena emerging from her tennis ‘tunnel’

TORONTO, ON – AUGUST 08: Serena Williams of the United States serves against Nuria Parrizas Diaz of Spain during the National Bank Open, part of the Hologic WTA Tour, at Sobeys Stadium on August 8, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Vaughn Ridley / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Serena Williams stepped onto a hardcourt for the first time in a year and a half on Monday and fought through for a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Spain’s Nuria Parrizas Diaz.

The 40-year-old American was competing in only her second match this season in defeating the 57th-ranked lucky loser to reach the second round.

Williams earned her first victory since last season at Roland Garros, some 14 months ago.

The relieved 23-time Grand Slam winner said the victory boosted what had been fragile confidence after her long periods of recent competitive inactivity.

“I guess there’s just a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m getting closer to the light,” she said.

“I can’t wait to get to that light. I love playing though, it’s amazing but I can’t do this forever.

“Sometimes you just want to try your best to enjoy the moments and do the best that you can.”

The opening match took two hours, with the veteran winning a 25-minute game to level 4-4 in the second set.

She then served out for victory as she plays the event for the 10th time.

Williams earned her first title in Canada in 2001 and her third and most recent nine years ago.

She defeated Diaz with seven aces and saved seven of the eight break points she faced.

Williams last played in Toronto in 2019, when she had to retire injured after four games to hand over the final to local Bianca Andreescu.

“It’s great to be back in Toronto, I didn’t know if I would be able