Serena Williams made her long-awaited comeback yesterday. The legendary American player was up against the challenge of 24-year-old Frenchwoman Harmony Tan. Returning after a long hiatus, the 40-year-old looked rusty and gave away the first set of match. However, the former world number 1 fought her way back into the match and won the second set. The decider set went got a nail-biting finish, but Serena could not end on the winning side. The final score read 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (7).

Addressing the media after the match, the 4o-year-old answered a few questions regarding the match and her fitness.

Serena Williams speaks about what went wrong

Speaking about her performance, the 23-time Grand Slam champion looked satisfied with her efforts. Also, commenting on her fitness, she said she is absolutely fine.

“Like I said, physically I was fine. I started to feel a bit more tired in the last few points, but I moved well and returned quite a few balls. Also in training, I’m moving well. It didn’t surprise me, because I knew I was doing the right things,” she said.

Further, she also spoke about what went wrong for her in the match.

READ MORE: ‘I Wouldn’t Ask Rafa or Roger’ – Serena Williams Once Openly Reacted to a Bizarre Commentator Request

“I haven’t trained for a three-hour match. I guess that’s what went wrong. My immediate reaction is to want to go to the training courts: I haven’t played that bad and I’ve been very close to winning,” she added. (Translated by Google)

Now that she has got her confidence back, her fans would hope to see her in action very soon again.

Rafael Nadal lauds Serena

Speaking after winning his first-round match of the Wimbledon Championship, the Spaniard was all praise for Williams. The 36-year-old lauded her for showing grit and confidence in herself to make a comeback after such a long gap. Further, the legend termed her as one of the best female athletes of all time. Also calling her comeback a great example of the passion and love she has for the game.

While Serena certainly showed her class to come back and fight hard on the court, Nadal himself is no less. The 36-year-old won the French Open last month, playing the tournament in pain.

WATCH THIS STORY: Serena Williams reacts as Caroline Wozniacki announces happy news 

While these legends may be in the twilight of their career, they are setting a great example for the generations to come.