Williams loses in Fed Cup return

In Serena Williams’ first competition since giving birth five months ago, she and sister Venus lost 6-2, 6-3 to Lesley Kerkhove and Demi Schuurs of the Netherlands in a Fed Cup doubles match in Asheville, N.C.

“I honestly feel better than I thought I was going to,” she said.

The U.S. already clinched the best-of-five event thanks to a pair of singles victories by Venus Williams. The U.S. advanced to a semifinal April 21-22 at France, which defeated Belgium 3-2.

The Czech Republic beat Switzerland 3-1 and Germany beat Belarus 3-2 to set the other semifinal.