
Serena Williams prepares to enter the court as she makes her singles tennis comeback at Indian Wells, California. The American hadn't played an official singles match since winning the Australian Open in 2017 while pregnant.

Facing Zarina Diyas -- who Williams had beaten in two previous head to heads -- the 23-time grand slam winner took the first set 7-5.

Williams owns one of the biggest serves in the women's game and it was working in the first set as she didn't face a break point.

Williams was cheered on by husband and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian (left) and longtime agent Jill Smoller.

The 53rd-ranked Diyas trailed by a break in the second set but kept coming back. She leveled proceedings at 3-3.

Oracle co-founder and Indian Wells tournament owner Larry Ellison (left) was another in the crowd and he watched Williams win the final three games of the match to advance.

Williams waved as she left the court. She could face older sister Venus in the third round.