Tennis star Serena Williams came back to the court with sister Venus marking her long-awaited comeback – the first competitive match in 12 months. The ace player represented the US team in a doubles match in the Fed Cup.
The American sisters played in a dead-rubber doubles contest against Holland on Sunday. They won the tie against the Netherlands and were beaten 6-2, 6-3. Since the US team had already won the tie, the pair advances to the semi-finals.
It was a magical moment when fans saw a cheerful family reunion with sister Venus backing the new mom on the court. Her daughter Alexis Olympia in husband Alexis Ohanian’s arms cheering on for mommy, seated just behind the players' box.
"This is literally my first time traveling with the baby and everything. I'm going to try to do better. It was hard. It was the first time for me." ESPN reported
The 36-year-old and winner of 23 Grand Slams was playing her first competitive match since winning her 23rd Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open. The satisfaction of watching the sisters play alongside is a rare view since they last played doubles together in the same tournament in 2003.
Serena told reporters on Friday, “It was really special to be back out here with Venus and we’re so happy Team USA won today. I’m really happy to be here and that we advanced to the next round,” The Guardian reported.
When asked about her daughter being in Asheville, North Carolina to witness her match, she added, “It’s her first match so I’m glad she got to see it.”
Serena pulled out of the Australian Open after she played in an exhibition match in December last year. Further, she withdrew her name from the first grand slam of the 2018 season in January to recover from the birth. Serena was all praises about her sister and told reporters on Friday that throughout the full of "ups and downs" path her sister helped her find the rhythm.
It will also be the first time in two years that either Williams sister has been on the team.
The sisters have won 22 doubles titles together, the last of which was Wimbledon in 2016.
Also, the crowd at Asheville, showed an enormous support to the sisters as went fighting on court.
Moreover, this was Alexis Olympia’s first tennis-themed photo on social media.
More pictures from the court:
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