Paris (AFP)
Serena Williams, former world No. 1 today 8th, joined the second week of Roland Garros for the first time since 2018 at the expense of her American compatriot Danielle Collins (50th), beaten in straight sets 6-4, 6 -4 Friday.
In the round of 16, she will face Kazakhe Elena Rybakina (22nd).
At 39, the American, whose shoes bear the inscription "I will never stop myself", is still looking for a 24th Grand Slam crown that would allow her to equal the all-time record for major titles held by Australian Margaret Court.
Serena Williams, despite an imposing bandage in the right thigh, counted a set and a break in advance (1-0), before Collins does not revive to lead 4-1 in the second set.
But the younger of the Williams sisters, who multiplied the angry cries, then lined up five games to win in just under an hour and a half.
The American champion arrived in Paris with only one clay court victory on the clock this season in two tournaments (Rome and Parma).
She had not been seen on the circuit since her defeat in the semi-finals of the Australian Open (against Osaka) in early February.
Monday evening, she had successfully inaugurated the all new evening sessions of Roland-Garros.
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