Serena Williams Consoles Opponent After Winning 1st Round At Australian Open

Serena Williams returned to the Grand Slam stage this week for the first time since last year’s emotional loss at the U.S. Open, and made quick work of her opponent. Williams kicked off the Australian Open by beating German tennis pro, Tatiana Marja, in straight sets — 6-0, 6-2. Deadspin called the match a “humane butchering,” while The Daily Beast focused on Williams’ dazzling emerald green jumpsuit. After cruising through the match, Williams’ increased her winning record in the first round of the Australian Open to 18-0, the longest winning streak for the tourney. The tennis star also took a few moments to console her opponent, who was very emotional after suffering such a devastating loss. Williams has been an outspoken voice for women in tennis for years, so it’s no wonder she offered a bit of sisterly comfort to Marja as they left the court. Previously, Williams declared allegiance to gender equality, telling the Evening Standard back in 2017, “I definitely am a feminist. I like to stick up for women and women’s rights.”