Feb. 12 (UPI) — Serena Williams played in a tennis tournament in front of her baby daughter Alexis for the first time this weekend.
It went down on Sunday when Serena and sister Venus Williams competed in a doubles match against Netherlands duo Lesley Kerkhove and Demi Schuurs at the 2018 Fed Cup in Asheville, N.C.
Williams also recorded a selfie video of her husband Alexis and daughter in the stands behind her at the tournament.
“It’s an incredible learning experience,” Williams told reporters after Saturday’s 6-2, 6-3 setback to Kerkhove and Schuurs, according to the New York Times. “I didn’t manage my time well, but I was thinking about it, in the future, how to manage it better. This is literally my first time traveling with the baby and everything. I’m going to try to do better. It was hard, it was the first time for me.”
Williams took to Instagram in early February to predict that her five-month-old daughter would surpass her greatness on the tennis court.
“Olympia Ohanian, at match point, championship point, even without her shoes she’s hard to beat,” Williams wrote on the caption. “Serving now For her 12th Wimbledon title. 3 more than her mum Serena. @wilsontennis @olympiaohanian.”
The 36-year-old tennis great became a first-time mother on Sept. 1. Williams attempted to make a comeback to competitive tennis at the 2018 Australian Open, but she pulled out of the tournament at the last minute. She later lost an exhibition match in three sets in Abu Dhabi.
Venus Williams is ranked No. 8 in the world, while Serena remains unlisted in the WTA rankings.
“It was really special to be back out here with Venus and we’re so happy Team USA won today,” Williams told reporters. “I’m really happy to be here and that we advanced to the next round.”
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.