23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams made a triumphant return to tennis yesterday, as alongside her partner Ons Jabeur defeated Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo 2-6 6-3 13-11 in a thrilling match tie-break.
Williams and Jabeur dropped the opening set, yet came roaring back to force a champions tie-break. Both teams traded match points, until Jabeur converted their teams third to win.
Williams said: “It was so great; we had a lot of fun. I called her [to play], she’s playing so well and she’s always been so nice on tour. It’s been a while but it was good to feel the court again.”
Katie Boulter’s dream grass-court swing continued as she toppled the world No 7 Karolina Pliskova in three sets 1-6 6-4 6-4, in her maiden Eastbourne appearance.
“It’s something I’ve been waiting for, my first top 10 win. It means a lot because I’ve worked so hard over many, many years and to actually get some reward back for it feels great.”
There was also a great win for Jodie Burrage as she upset world No.4 Paula Badosa in straight sets and the British success continued in the ATP 250 event, as Ryan Peniston defeated the No 8 seed Holger Rune on Centre Court as he rallied from a set down to win 4-6 7-6(5) 6-1.
British No 2 Dan Evans also returned to winning ways on Eastbourne soil as he defeated Adrian Mannarino in straight sets 6-4 6-3.
1. A Serena setting
23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams arrives at Devonshire Park Photo: Charlie Crowhurst
2. Devonshire Park
Often some of the best action can be found on the outside courts Photo: Mike Hewitt
3. Centre court
The large south stand boosts capacity on centre court Photo: Charlie Crowhurst
4. Sneak peek
Fans get a glimpse of the action Photo: Charlie Crowhurst