Serena Loses 1st Match Since Saying She’s Prepared to Retire

Serena Williams, of the United States, hits a backhand to Belinda Bencic, of Switzerland, during the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto on Aug. 10, 2022. Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP

TORONTO—Serena Williams wore her game face when she stepped out into the stadium for her first match since telling the world she is ready to leave professional tennis.

Greeted by a standing ovation, the 23-time Grand Slam champion didn’t smile. She didn’t wave. She took a sip from a plastic bottle as she walked in.