Williams gets warm welcome and win in U.S. Open return (Reuters)

Serena Williams took the first cautious step towards a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title with a 6-4 6-0 first-round win over Magda Linette on Monday as an excited U.S. Open crowd welcomed the new tennis mother back to the ‘Big Apple’. It was not the imposing performance many have come to expect from Williams as the six-time champion continued to scrape the rust off her game following the birth of her first child. The manner of the victory, however, mattered little to a home crowd that was just happy to see her back on court after sitting out last year. “It is such a great feeling to be back out here,” said Williams. “It is one of those feeling I only get here in New York.” Read more