‘Warrior princess’ Serena back in style
For all that has changed in the 16 months since Serena Williams last played in a grand slam tournament — she is now married and a mother — so much was familiar about her at the French Open yesterday.
The fashion statement, this time in the form of a black bodysuit with a red belt that she said made her feel like a ‘‘warrior princess.’’ The cries of ‘‘Come on!’’ The big serves that provided 13 aces. The returns that eventually produced three consecutive breaks of serve.
And, yes, the victory. Competing as a mom for the first time at a major, and only about nine months since giving birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia, then dealing with postpartum complications, Williams edged 70thranked Kristyna Pliskova, of the Czech Republic, 7-6 (4), 6-4.
Already a transcendent sports star and cultural icon, Williams now carries a new title: working mother.
‘‘Well, my priority is Olympia. No matter what, that’s my priority. I have given tennis so much, and tennis has actually given me a lot, and I couldn’t be more grateful,’’ Williams said. ‘‘She’s my priority, and I work everything around her.’’
The 36-year-old American had not played in one of tennis’ biggest tournaments since win- ning the Australian Open in January 2017 for her 23rd grand slam title, breaking a tie with Steffi Graf for the most in the professional era.
Yesterday’s return was striking, from Williams’ powerful shots to her outfit, which called to mind the ‘‘catsuit’’ she wore at the 2002 US Open.
It was by far the most significant event of Day 3 at Roland Garros, even though there were so many other grand slam champions in action. Rafael Nadal finished off a rain-interrupted victory as he begins his try for a record-extending 11th French Open title. Maria Sharapova, a two-time champ in Paris, was pushed to three sets in a win. Garbine Muguruza, who beat Williams in the 2016 final at Roland Garros, beat another past champion, Svetlana Kuznetsova.
All eyes were on Williams, though. On the fifth point, she delivered an ace at 181kph.
Moments later, the chair umpire intoned, ‘‘Jeu, Madame Williams,’’ — French for ‘‘Game, Mrs. Williams,’’ a change from the ‘‘Mademoiselle’’ used for unmarried female players.
Pliskova, a lefty whose twin sister upset Williams in the 2016 US Open semifinals, actually hit more aces, 15. That’s the most anyone has hit against Williams since at least 2008, according to the WTA.
Indeed, Williams appeared to have trouble reading Pliskova’s serves early on. There were other blips, of the sort to be expected from someone who hasn’t played lately. Williams double-faulted seven times. She had nearly as many unforced errors, 25, as winners, 29.
But she is not simply skilled. She is smart, too, and she figured things out.
After trailing 3-0 in the tiebreaker, she reeled off six points in a row. After falling behind 2-0 in the second set, Williams came up with a trio of service breaks.
All was not perfect, of course. In the final game, Williams’ right foot gave way as she sprinted toward the net and she landed on her backside. At least she was able to laugh at that as she went to the sideline to towel off. A spectator yelled: ‘‘That’s all right, Serena! You still look great!’’