Serena Williams edges Pliskova

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 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 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’s 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.

“Just literally not sure if I was going to make it or not at several different times,” Williams said. “A lot of people have really reached out, because they have so many similar stories, too. I feel like a lot of people don’t talk about it. They talk about the baby and how happy they are. But it’s a lot that goes into it with the pregnancy and with giving birth, and it’s called a `miracle’ for a reason.” SHAPOVALOV PREVAILS »

Denis Shapovalov plopped himself down for his news conference Tuesday after winning his French Open debut, leaned into the microphone and said, “`Sup?”’

Then he smiled broadly as can be. This was a milestone day in the nascent career of the rapidly rising Canadian teen, who seems as carefree on the court as he is off it, compiling significant victories and praise from opponents in equal doses.

Shapovalov’s first Grand Slam match as a seeded player he is No. 24 at Roland Garros became a 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 victory over 59th-ranked John Millman of Australia, thanks in large part to a 32-9 edge in total winners.

A year ago, not only wasn’t Shapovalov seeded, he didn’t even make the main draw, losing in the opening round of qualifying.

NFL

MARSHALL JOINS SEAHAWKS » Veteran wide receiver Brandon Marshall has indicated on social media he’s joining the Seattle Seahawks.

Marshall posted a series of pictures on Instagram on Tuesday decked out in a green Seahawks jersey, one captioned “Let’s go,” and another with Marshall saying he’s always wanted to play before Seattle’s fans.

A person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press that Marshall’s contract is expected to be finalized in the coming days. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the contract had not been officially signed.

Marshall visited Seattle earlier in the offseason after he was released by the New York Giants and worked out for the team, but no deal was struck at that time. His representatives did not return messages seeking comment.