National Bank Open: Serena Williams beats Nuria Parrizas Diaz for first singles win in over a year

Serena Williams won her first singles match in 14 months as she defeated Spain's Nuria Parrizas Diaz in the first round of the National Bank Open.

The American great, 40, showed some of her vintage ball striking as she defeated the world number 57

The last time Williams won a singles match was at the French Open.

Next, she will play either Bencic or Martincova.

After a year out with an injury, Serena Williams returned to singles at Wimbledon in June.

She was given warm and vocal support by the crowd in her first hard court match since the Australian Open.

A backhand smash gave Williams a chance to serve for the set after he had taken the first break of the match.

Williams took the set on a smash at the net after saving a break point of her own.

She saved another break point and kept the second set on serve even though she wasn't at her best.

That continued into a 25-minute service game that saw nine deuces, with Williams somehow coming through to hold before breaking the other team's spirit.

After converting her first match point, Williams thanked her opponent and then acknowledged the crowd.

The Toronto competition is one of several that will be held before the US Open.

On the opening day of play, the Wimbledon champion and Simona Halep advanced to the next round.