Serena Williams Begins Farewell Tour at Canadian Open

Serena Williams commenced her farewell tour at the Canadian Open in Toronto, utilizing a protected ranking to enter the tournament. This strategic move allowed her to compete despite a significant hiatus from singles matches. In her opening match, Williams faced Nuria Párrizas Díaz and secured a victory in straight sets, marking her first singles win in 14 months. This win was a notable achievement, considering the challenges she faced during her time away from the sport. However, her journey in the tournament came to an end when she was defeated by Belinda Bencic in the subsequent round. Following her elimination, the tournament organizers honored Williams with gifts to commemorate her contributions to tennis and her time in Toronto, reflecting the deep respect and admiration she has garnered throughout her illustrious career.