PARIS - Serena Williams battled back from a set and break down to defeat Australia's Ashleigh Barty 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday.
The three-time champion and former world number one, dressed again in her all-black catsuit, is playing her first Grand Slam since winning the 2017 Australian Open while two months pregnant.
The 36-year-old, seeking a 24th Grand Slam title, will face Germany's Julia Goerges for a place in the last 16.
If she gets past the third round, Williams could face old rival Maria Sharapova for a place in the quarter-finals.
"It's just incredible," said Williams. "I am so happy to be back here. I lost the first set and thought I must try harder, I must try harder and then Serena came out.
"I will be back tomorrow to play doubles with Venus. I don't mind playing singles and doubles - I will fight my heart out."
Williams had cruised through her opening round match against Kristyna Pliskova in what was a record 317th win at the Slams.
But Thursday was a tougher proposition for the 36-year-old American who was playing just her sixth match of 2018.
Williams appeared once again in her striking, all-black catsuit.
However, her game failed to match her impressive outfit in the first set where she was broken in the sixth game by the Australian.
Warrior 💪 @serenawilliams’ return to the terre battue continues with a 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory over No.17 seed Barty. She advances to the third round here for the 14th time. #RG18 pic.twitter.com/DMaoHVnlB0
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 31, 2018
Barty wrapped it up when the American netted a weary-looking forehand, the 12th unforced error of the set for the 23-time major winner.
Williams hit just three winners in the opener while 22-year-old Barty could afford to bide her time, just two winners and four unforced errors.
She was a break down again after dropping serve in the opening game of the second set.
But just as the half-full crowd enjoying the late evening sunshine in Court Philippe Chatrier anticipated a quick kill, Williams came storming back, reeling off four straight games for 4-1.
A fifth ace of the contest won her the set.
A break in the third game of the decider proved crucial and Williams, now ranked 451 in the world, claimed victory on a second match point with a sweeping, running forehand.