Serena Williams sports special pin for first tennis match since welcoming daughter Alexis

By Robert Peterpaul

Serena Williams made her highly anticipated return to the court a little more than six months after she and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian welcomed their first child, daughter Alexis. The tennis star's first post-pregnancy match against Zarina Diyas was part of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California on Thursday (Mar. 8).

Serena was back to business, defeating Zarina 7-5, 6-3. "It's official. My comeback is here," she wrote on Instagram ahead of the singles match. "This whole month I am playing tournaments in California and Florida—both my home states." To make the occasion even more momentous, it coincided with International Women’s Day, which inspired Serena to do "something different."

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It's official. My comeback is here. This Thursday I will start playing tennis again professionally for the first time since giving birth to my daughter. This whole month I am playing tournaments in California and Florida- both my home states. Thursday, the day I play my very first match, marks international women's day. My comeback could not have come on a better day and I decided I wanted to do something different let you all be apart of my long journey back (if you want of course!!) So I created my Serena Gold toned "S" pin. When I am playing you can wear it and show support not only from me but also for my charity which supports the Yetunde Price Resource center. I want this gold "S" mean something special to you personally. What is one S word in your life that means something to you? Mine is Strong and Sure! So when I wear my "S" pin I am representing Strength, and Sureness. What would your "S" mean? They are for now only available for my fans that come see my at Indian wells, and Miami starting Wednesday as well as Thursday when I play!! Sooooo if you are watching me stop by the Serena booth to grab a "S" pin. Post pics of you wearing your "S" and tag me! Thanks for the support I look forward to seeing you out there!!

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on

"My comeback could not have come on a better day and I decided I wanted to do something different let you all be apart of my long journey back (if you want of course!!) So I created my Serena Gold toned 'S' pin,” Serena wrote to her fans. “When I am playing you can wear it and show support not only from me but also for my charity which supports the Yetunde Price Resource Center."

MORE: Serena Williams cuddles with baby Alexis in adorable photo

Serena encouraged fans to stop by her booth and get an 'S' pin. Photo: © Instagram/@serenawilliams

The athlete continued to explain that she hopes for the shiny accessory to connect with others. “I want this gold 'S' mean something special to you personally. What is one S word in your life that means something to you? Mine is Strong and Sure! So when I wear my 'S' pin I am representing Strength, and Sureness."

READ: Serena Williams shares her harrowing birth story with Vogue

Winning Thursday’s game means Serena will advance in the tournament to play Kiki Bertens. It also marked her first time back on the court since the 2017 Australian Open, where she won while two months pregnant. Serena has been enjoying being a mom to baby Alexis Olympia, who she welcomed back in September, and is tackling motherhood the same way she's taken on tennis. Speaking with ET, she said: "It's definitely not easy. I have this undying drive to be the best that I can be. Whether it's [being] a mom or playing tennis or doing my designing. I just want to do the best that I can."

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