Williams claims first singles win in 14 months

Serena Williams claimed her first singles win in 14 months when she beat Spain’s Nuria Parrizas Diaz to reach the second round of the National Bank of Toronto Open.

Williams’ last singles success was at the 2021 French Open.

Next, she will play Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic or Tereza Martincova.

Williams brought back his singles at Wimbledon in June after a year out with injury.

A three-time champion at the Toronto event, she received warm and vocal support from the crowd in her first hard court match since the 2021 Australian Open.

Williams and Parrizas Diaz traded breaks in the early stages, before a backhand gave the 23-time major winner a 5-3 lead and a chance to serve for the set.

Williams then saved a break point, before taking the set with another hit at the net.

Although his serve and movement were not at their best, he produced an excellent defense to save another break point and keep the second set on serve.

That continued into a 25-minute service game that saw nine deuces, with Williams somehow getting to hold before breaking Parrizas Diaz in the next game.

After converting her first match point, Williams congratulated her 31-year-old opponent, telling her she “played really well” before acknowledging the crowd.

The Toronto competition is one of several warm-up events for the US Open, which starts on August 29.

Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and Simona Halep also advanced in opening day play.