Williams returns to competitive action at Hopman Cup but US slip to defeat vs Greece

Serena Williams has returned to competitive action for the first time since her controversial defeat in the US Open final, but was unable to prevent the US from slipping to defeat against Greece at the Hopman Cup.

Williams took to the court in Perth, Australia, defeating Maria Sakkari of Greece in straight sets, 7-6(3) 6-2, in their singles game. 

However, US pair Williams and Frances Tafoe later fell to defeat in the mixed doubles against the Greeks.

That result, coupled with Tiafoe’s loss in his singles match, meant the US lost the tie 2-1.  

The Hopman Cup pits nations against each other in a round-robin group stage format before the group winners meet in Saturday’s final.

Each tie between the nations involves a singles encounter between male and female players before a mixed doubles meeting.

The US’ next clash is against Switzerland on Tuesday, and will pit Swiss legend Roger Federer and Williams against each other in a highly-anticipated mixed doubles clash. The pair have an incredible 43 Grand Slam singles titles between them.

Williams recently played an exhibition game against sister Venus in Abu Dhabi, but is playing competitively for the first time in Perth since her US Open final defeat to Naomi Osaka in September.

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That match was overshadowed by Williams’ furious bust-up with umpire Carlos Ramos, whom she branded a “liar” and “thief” after he issued her with code violations.

Back in action in Perth on Monday, 37-year-old Williams got off to a slow start in finding herself a break down early on, but then warmed up to record a comfortable win in one hour and 44 minutes.

"It was my first match back. I was making a lot of errors," Williams said after the game. "It was great to be back out on match day."

All eyes will now turn to the much-awaited meeting with Federer as two of the games greats come face to face on court for the first time.

Williams will be seeking to add to her haul of 23 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in Melbourne, which kicks off on January 14. Victory there would draw her level in the all-time stakes with Aussie great Margaret Court.