Serena makes solid start in Toronto

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.