‘Serene’ Serena Williams extends Wimbledon winning run

Serena Williams managed to find her ‘serene’ side as she made a winning return to Wimbledon after two years away.

The seven-time champion beat Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands 7-5 6-3 on Court No.1 in her first match at the All England Club since she won the title in 2016.

Williams was playing only her eighth singles match in 18 months, having given birth to daughter Alexis Olympia last September.

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“Towards the end more than anything I was trying to be more calm,” said the American, seeded No.25.

“I wanted to do so well – that sometimes kind of works against you. I feel like I was maybe overly anxious and over-trying and overdoing it. Towards the end I was more definitely calm, making my shots and playing a more serene game. I feel like it worked out.”

Back to winning ways at The Championships…@serenawilliams notches up #Wimbledon win no.87 and counting against Arantxa Rus to progress to the second round pic.twitter.com/ixTQo2svSJ

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2018

Williams has now won 15 matches in a row at Wimbledon after winning the title in 2015 and 2016.

The 36-year-old would equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles with another victory, but for now she is concentrating on a second-round match against Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova, the world No.135.

“I’m just taking it one at a time,” said Williams. “I don’t think I was at my best today but I’m practising much better. I feel as long as I keep going hopefully I’ll be able to get there.”

After reaching the fourth round of the French Open last month, before retiring with an injury, she is getting used to balancing life as a mother with the demands of contending for Grand Slam titles.

“I’m adjusting well,” she said.

“I spend so much time with her. I really don’t like being away from her but I also feel like it’s healthy in a way for me to do what I need to do and be that working mum, and then go back home and be the mum.”

As for how long Williams will continue to chase titles on the tennis court, the American handed the responsibility over to fellow 36-year-old Roger Federer.

“I’m just playing until Roger stops,” she joked. “Did he put a time limit on it? We’re in it together. As long as he’s here, I’m going to be here.”