Serena Williams shook off some COVID-19 layoff rust to grind out a 7-6 (7-6), 3-6, 7-6 (7-0) win over Dutch qualifier Arantxa Rus on Monday to move into the third round of the Western & Southern Open.
Williams' matches are usually a huge draw, but with no fans allowed due to COVID-19 safety protocols there was an atmosphere of relief rather than excitement after her hard-fought victory.
"I was fine," said Williams, when asked about playing without fans. "At one point I was pumping my fist and saying, 'Come on.'
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