Momma mia! Serena back
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 on Tuesday.
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 pro- duced 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 70th-ranked Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic 7-6 (4), 6-4 at Roland Garros.
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 winning 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.
Williams, the world found out later, was pregnant at the time. Her baby was born Sept. 1; Williams married Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in November.
Williams eventually revealed that she had an emergency cesarean section, then encountered trouble breathing afterward because of a pulmonary embolism and needed a follow-up operation.
The first match of her comeback was in doubles alongside her older sister, Venus, for the U.S. Fed Cup team in February. She entered two tournaments in singles the next month, going 2-2. An absence of more than two months followed, until Tuesday in Paris.
Tuesday’s return 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.
MARSHALL TO SEATTLE
Brandon Marshall found a new home.
The former Giants wide receiver posted a picture of himself wearing a No. 12 Seahawks jersey on Instagram Tuesday, indicating that he is headed to Seattle.
Marshall, 34, was released by the Giants in March after a disappointing season with Big Blue which ended after Week 5 when he broke his ankle.
He had just 18 catches on 33 targets for 154 yards and no touchdowns. The Seahawks would become the sixth team Marshall has played for in his career as he continues to search for his first playoff appearance. appears to have
TORRE: RIZZO INTERFERED
MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre informed the Cubs and Pirates that Anthony Rizzo should have been called for interference for swiping catcher Elias Diaz’s right leg while Diaz attempted to make a throw to first base to complete a potential double play in the eighth inning of Chicago’s 7-0 victory on Memorial Day.
Diaz’s throw ended up sailing into right field, allowing two runs to score.
The Pirates challenged the call on the field but replay officials opted not to overturn it.
Nearly 24 hours later, MLB believes Rizzo violated Rule 6.01 (i), which states “if a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play, he should be called for interference.”