Tennis News: Serena Williams announces her retirement after US Open

Serena Williams clarified that she plans to retire from the sport upon competing in the 2019 US Open. "I have never liked the word retirement," she told Vogue. "I always love evolution."

Serena Williams won her first match since 2021, Roland Garros, after her return to the court. She bagged the National Bank Open opening round in Toronto after beating Nuria Parrizas-Diaz in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

In some instances, the tennis exhibited by the 40-year-old American implied that she might still be unprepared for the US Open. However, she has sealed her comeback with a win for now.

She will now face Belinda Bencic or Tereza Martincova, with Victoria Azarenka out of the picture due to her inability to get a permit inside the borders of Canada.

Williams started with a dominating opening set as she took her opponent's serve at 2-0 up but lost it, and the score read 2-2. However, she broke again to make it 5-3 and then prepared to serve.

Serena finally closed the opener with a smash after three prior set points securing it an advantage to march ahead.

Set two was tougher on Serena, who fended off saving break point after break point. After a lengthy 25-minute game, her fighting spirit was evident to the crowd, who roared as she held four break points. 

Williams broke in another game that was easier to play as the score read 5-4 up. After the match hit the two-hour mark, Serena served it out as the first hit landed in a fault. It was followed by an unplayable ball that sent the crowd to their feet. 

Simona Halep beats Donna Vekin in the Toronto opener

Simona Halep registered a majestic win over Donna Vekic, who could only win a few games 6-0 6-2. Halep was named in a decent draw and pitted against Vekic, who joined the draw as a lucky loser. 

Muhammad, in the qualifiers, outclassed the Croatian, but the battle left her drained. As a result, she couldn't muster the energy to produce a good game, and Halep capitalised on that. 

Halep might not have a strong hold over her serve, but she dominated from the baseline. She secured all the points when Vekic missed her first serve. 

The Croatian fumbled during her serve, and Halep took charge from the baseline dropping only three points when returning and five when serving. The set was over instantly, and the second one followed suit.

Vekic was determined not to allow a bagel again, and she won her first service game in the set despite trailing 15-40. Halep was putting immense pressure on Vekic, but the Croatian had her footing in place. 

However, a comeback seemed unlikely as the Romanian finished the set 6-2. It boosted Halep's form and ambition to be at the top this season.

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