The long-awaited return of Serena Williams began in the humble, quiet surrounds of a private tennis club in Eastbourne. After arriving in the UK within days of announcing her return to tennis, Williams opted to keep a low profile. She remained off-site even as the tournament began. She refused to conduct a single press conference.
As she trained with Frances Tiafoe on Sunday at Meads Tennis Club, her first spectators were the passers-by who just so happened to glance down at the club from the hilly road and, to their audible shock, saw one of the most famous athletes in the world staring up at them.
