Serena Williams demonstrated her continued ability to succeed at the Canadian Open. According to CNN, on Monday, the 40-year-old defeated Spain’s Nuria Párrizas Díaz in straight sets, with a score of 6-3, 6-4, during the tournament’s opening round in Toronto.

This victory marked Williams’ first singles win in 430 days. Her previous singles triumph occurred during her 2021 French Open campaign against Danielle Collins. Despite being a 23-time Grand Slam champion, Williams faced setbacks, including a hamstring tear during Wimbledon in 2021, which sidelined her from singles competition until this year’s tournament in London. However, her return match at Wimbledon resulted in a loss to France’s Harmony Tan.

“I suppose there’s always a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel. I feel like I’m edging closer to that light, so lately, that’s been my focus. I can’t wait to reach that light,” Williams amusingly remarked to reporters post-match, as reported by ESPN. “I adore playing tennis, it’s incredible, but I realize I can’t do it forever. So, sometimes, you just want to savor the moments and give it your all.”

According to ESPN, Williams had previously suggested that she might have performed better at Wimbledon if she had been competing more regularly.

Monday’s victory at the Canadian Open lent weight to that notion, as Williams entered the tournament unranked and successfully resisted Párrisas Díaz’s efforts to extend the match to a third set. The match was far from easy, with the second set alone lasting 76 minutes, as noted by the outlet.

“It’s just one win, you know,” Williams reflected to reporters afterward, according to ESPN. “It’s a big deal. But I was thrilled to get a win; it’s been quite a while. I almost forgot what it felt like.”

Williams, who claimed victory at the Canadian Open in 2001, 2011, and 2013, is scheduled to face the winner of Tuesday’s match between world No. 12 Belinda Bencic and the Czech Republic’s Tereza Martincova in her next match. If Williams advances past the second round, she could potentially face one of tennis’ emerging stars, Naomi Osaka, later in the tournament.

Before her injury in 2021, Williams maintained a position within the top 10 players in the world, as reported by WTA Tennis. The specifics of Williams’ future plans for her career remain uncertain beyond her upcoming participation in the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati and the US Open in New York, where she will strive for a record 24th Grand Slam title victory.