Williams, whose final singles victory got here on the 2021 French Open, needed to battle onerous to beat Párrizas Díaz in shut to 2 hours, regardless of what the straight-sets scoreline would possibly recommend.

The 23-time grand slam champion dropped her serve simply as soon as within the match, however saved seven break factors — together with 4 when she trailed 3-4 within the second set — to carry off Párrizas Díaz, ranked No. 57 on the planet.

It means Williams will face both Belinda Bencic or Tereza Martincova within the second spherical on Wednesday.

Taking part in in her first singles match in a yr at Wimbledon in June, the 40-year-old misplaced to France’s Concord Tan in an entertaining encounter and later hinted that she may play on dwelling soil on the US Open, which begins August 29.
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Requested on Monday what drives her to play at this late stage in her profession, Williams mentioned: “I suppose there’s only a gentle on the finish of the tunnel … Currently, that is been it for me. I am unable to wait to get to that gentle.”

“I like taking part in although, so it is superb. However, you understand, I am unable to do that without end,” she added. “Generally, you simply wish to strive your finest to benefit from the moments and do one of the best which you can.”

Towards Párrizas Díaz, Williams confirmed indicators of her trademark ball placing as she hit 32 winners, seven of which had been aces.

In line with Opta, she is the fourth girl since 2000 to win a WTA Tour match after turning 40, alongside Martina Navratilova, Kimiko Date Krumm and Williams’ sister, Venus.

The 42-year-old Venus was additionally in motion in Toronto on Monday however misplaced 6-2 6-3 to Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann.