Serena Williams returns to court for first time since having baby

Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Tennis superstar Serena Williams lost to Jelena Ostapenko in her first match since January and the birth of daughter Alexis Olympia.

The 36-year-old took the court for an exhibition match against the Latvian in Abu Dhabi. Williams, who hadn't played since the 2017 Australian Open, lost 6-2, 3-6, 10-5.

She took the court to a chorus of cheers from the stands. She took a while to find her rhythm in the first set, but rebounded quickly to win the second set. Ostapenko won the final point when Williams hit the net while trying to return her serve.

"Motherhood is phenomenal. I was a little worried out there," Williams said on the court after the match, according to the WTA. "I looked at my camp and was like, 'Is Olympia okay?'"

"But it's really good. I'm excited. It's good to be back on the court. This was such a good time for me."

"It's my first time playing in Abu Dhabi, so thank you for the support. First matches back are always super incredibly hard, but it was great and I'm glad I could do it here."

Williams' husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, was in attendance. He posted a photo with a boy from the audience, who snuck down to take a selfie.

"Little man wanted a selfie, I asked where is phone was, he said with his parents, so I asked where they were and he pointed across the arena, so I asked how he got way down here and he just pointed at his head," Ohanian tweeted. "Smart kid. Here's your selfie. Keep cheering for my wife."

Ohanian made another post with a photo of his wife.

"Mama is back in the office," he wrote for the caption.

Williams is ranked No. 22 in the WTA's singles rankings. She was ranked No. 2 in April.

Alexis Olympia was born on Sept. 1. Williams and Alexis Ohanian were married in November.

Williams is expected to participate in the 2018 Australian Open in a quest to defend her title. That tournament is set for Jan. 15 through Jan. 28 at Melbourne Park.

Ostapenko won the 2017 French Open when she beat Romanian Simona Halep in three sets for the title in May at Roland Garros.