Serena Williams has advanced to the third round of the Rogers Cup in Toronto, beating Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-3.
It’s her first match since losing the Wimbledon final last month.
The three-time champion will face Russian qualifier Ekaterina Alexandrova next.
Elsewhere, second seed Naomi Osaka advanced to the last-16 after her opponent Tatjana Maria retired due to injury.
Third seed Karolina Pliskova and Wimbledon champion Simona Halep are also through to the next round, but Caroline Wozniacki and Victoria Azarenka have crashed out.

UAE achieves another gold medal at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
Sabalenka, Andreeva make winning starts at WTA Finals
Brady ends three-year spell as Birmingham City investor
Gauff outruns Pegula to win thriller at WTA Finals
