Even the most mediocre in geography know it: Toronto is not Lourdes.

There was no miracle the day after Serena Williams announced her future retirement, and two days after her first victory in over a year.

The former queen of the women's circuit, now 407th in the world, logically fell against the Swiss Belinda Bencic (12th) in the second round of the Canadian tournament (6-2, 6-4) in 1h18 of play.

The 40-year-old American paid for an obvious lack of mobility and committed too many unforced errors, only creating a chance to break at the end of the first set, under the eyes of a crowd committed to her cause, some brandishing “Queen” or simply “Thank you” signs.

“I could have played better, but Belinda was very good.

I was very happy to be able to be here today.

These 24 hours have generated many emotions.

Like I said, I'm not good at goodbyes,” Williams commented, eyes misty.

On Tuesday, she announced that "the countdown is on" regarding her retirement from the courts, after 25 years of career and 23 Grand Slam titles to her name.

Her program should lead her from Monday to Cincinnati, before the US Open (August 29-September 11), which she has won six times and which could well be the perfect place for farewells.

Swiatek passes, Badosa and Jabeur give up

"It's always an honor to be on the court with her", paid tribute to Bencic, winner of the tournament in 2015, who will face the Spaniard Garbine Muguruza (8th) in 8th.

Earlier, as calm as it was expeditious, Iga Swiatek, winner of the last Roland-Garros, made a success of her entry into the running at the expense of the Australian Ajla Tomjanovic (72nd) in two short sets 6-1, 6-2.

On the other hand, two favorites were forced to retire: the Spaniard Paula Badosa (3rd), victim of cramps, and the Tunisian Ons Jabeur (5th), finalist at Wimbledon, plagued by breathing difficulties, respectively in favor of Yulia Puntisteva (46th) and Qinwen Zheng (51st).

Sport

Tennis: Serena Williams announces that she will soon retire

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