Serena Williams makes winning return in Eastbourne doubles

Serena Williams made a winning return to action at the Eastbourne International as she and accomplice Ons Jabeur came from a one set down to beat Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova 2-6 6-3 (13-11) in the women’s doubles.

The former world number one had not played competitive tennis since limping out of last year’s first-round match at Wimbledon – where she has won seven of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles – – in tears because of a leg injury.

Back on court and on the grass once more, Williams moved forward preparations for Wimbledon, where the first draw begins next Monday, having been conceded a trump card to enter, close by Tunisian Jabeur in the initial round at Eastbourne.

Williams, who was wearing dark tape all over to assist with a sinus issue, had no response as Sorribes and Bouzkova made three progressive breaks toward the beginning of the second to assist with setting them in a directing position.

Nonetheless, a savage volley from Williams assisted her and Jabeur with holding make it 4-3, preceding the American gave further indications she was beginning to track down her beat with a thriving forehand down the line to break their rivals’ serve.

Williams served out the following game to take the match to a last set tiebreak, which swung all over, with the two pairings having match point before Sorribes Tormo missed a volley at the net to gift her rivals victory.

“It was so fun to play with Ons,” Williams said. “We had fun.

“I caught some fire behind me! I needed that. It was good. We’re just taking it one day at a time.”