On Tuesday night in Eastbourne, Serena Williams made a victorious return, but she would not commit to a long-term tennis career.
The 40-year-old American won her first match after withdrawing from Wimbledon last year, much to the joy of the evening crowd when she teamed up with Ons Jabeur.
After the scratch team defeated Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova 3-6, 6-3, 13-11 in the decisive champions’ tiebreak, Williams was obviously overjoyed.
Serena Williams made a winning return at Eastbourne on Tuesday evening.
However, she does not wish to look beyond her appointment at the All England Club next week, which will surely feel more comfortable having come through an excellent workout.
“Oh my god, it was so fun to play with Ons. It was great. We had a lot of fun,” said Williams. “I’m literally taking it one day at a time. I’m not making any decisions after this.
“I love tennis and love playing, but I also love what I do off the court.”
She was coy about how much preparation she has done for this trip. “I have been doing a lot of training; my body feels great,” she added, having admitted that she went ‘cold turkey’ after getting injured at SW19 a year ago.
She partnered with Ons Jabeυr after 12 мonths oυt of action dυe to an injυry in her right leg
The pair secured a 2-6, 6-3, 13-11 doubles win over Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes.
“I definitely felt good out there, I’m only covering half the court in doubles, but it felt like it was clicking.”
Williams had her serve broken twice, but she clearly improved as the match went on. In the first set, she looked somewhat heavy-legged at times, but she more than held her own as she and Jabeur became more accustomed to each other.
It remains, however, early days to say whether this means she can make an impact in singles at Wimbledon, which will be something different altogether from the blast she enjoyed on the south coast.
