Venus Williams made a return to the tennis courts after five months, as she competed in the first round of the 2023 Libema Open. Among the notable supporters in the stand was her sister and the 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. The stadium was packed, as fans were eagerly waiting for Venus’ return to the tour.

The senior member of the Williams sisters’ return to the tour was short-lived, as she was defeated by Celine Naef in the first round on Tuesday. The American won the first set, but her lack of match practice eventually showed in the final two sets. The Swiss tennis player won the second set in a tiebreaker, before putting on a dominant third-set performance.

The crowd was in full voice during the first round encounter, as they were fully behind Venus Williams. Her sister Serena was also spotted witnessing the match from the stands, as Venus played her first competitive match in almost over five months.

Serena showing sisterly support ❤️@Venuseswilliams | #LibemaOpen pic.twitter.com/dS32NFUQPY

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 13, 2023

Venus Williams’ return to the tour ends in a first-round defeat

Venus suffered a hamstring injury at the start of the year, which forced her to miss the 2023 Australian Open as well. It was a positive start from the American upon her return to competitive tennis, given that she won the first set on Tuesday. However, she could not play with the same momentum, as Naef did well to cross the line in the end.

Venus Williams will certainly be content with her effort and will focus on the rest of the grass-court season. Her end goal would be a good run at Wimbledon before the season moves into the hard-court swing once again.

Returning on grass 🤍

Welcome back, @Venuseswilliams 👋#LibemaOpen pic.twitter.com/lx1NJh4pgF

— wta (@WTA) June 13, 2023

Serena Williams, who was spotted in the stands, retired from tennis last year. The tennis legend played her last professional match at the 2022 US Open, where she was defeated in the third round. She hinted at a comeback earlier this year, however, the news of her husband Alexis Ohanian and herself expecting a baby early next year has all but the rumors to rest.