Serena Williams edged out by Jelena Ostapenko on post-childbirth return

Updated 30/12/2017 at 16:59 GMT

Serena Wiliams was frustrated by Jelena Ostapenko in Abu Dhabi in her first match back since the birth of her daughter.

Serena Williams on her return to tennis in Abu Dhabi

Image credit: Getty Images

Williams lost 10-5 in the champions' tie-break after splitting the first two sets 2-6 6-3 with French Open champion Ostapenko.

However Williams will be encouraged by her overall play in her first match since winning the 2017 Australian Open while four months pregnant with her daughter Alexis Olympia.

WTA Madrid

'Tired' Raducanu 'trying to manage energy levels' ahead of Madrid Open

4 hours ago

After a rusty start, Serena slowly found her feet and looked strong in the second set, giving her opponent the runaround with some typically strong hitting.

But her form deserted her in the champions' tie-break, losing the first five points and giving herself too much to do to bridge the gap.

Speaking after the match, Williams said she had been "a little worried" about her daughter, present in the crowd, but said it was good to be back on court.

She said: "First matches back are always hard, especially after having a baby, but it's great to be here."

Williams is due to compete in the Australian Open which starts on January 15.

WTA Madrid