Fans react to the return of Serena in Lexington

What would a Serena Williams match be if it wasn't nail-biting, thrilling and stressful? On Tuesday, the 23-time Grand Slam champion defeated Bernarda Pera, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, in a rollercoaster first round at the Top Seed Open in Lexington, K.Y.

It was undeniably an odd sight to see Serena walking onto the court without the roar of the crowd welcoming her. It was also unusual to see the No. 1 seed competing on a non-stadium court with empty stands.

Although somewhat eerie, as soon as she cracked the first ball, the same excitement and energy came through the TV screen.

It's been six months since Serena has competed in a tour-level match, and on Tuesday it showed early on, which quickly raised viewers' stress levels.

Pera wasn't afraid to step into the court and take time away from Serena. Out of rhythm, Serena was chasing down balls and trying to catch her breath in-between points for the majority of the first set.

The 38-year-old could be down set points and even match points, but it's never over until it's over. Pera had three break points at 4-4 in the second, but Serena would find a way to hold and ultimately take the second set with all of the momentum on her side.

Some Twitter fans suggested it could have been Serena's massive ring weighing her down in the first set.

Flipping the switch, Serena would buckle down and showcase a higher, more consistent level of play than in the first and second sets. The world No. 9's focus was lights out as she capitalized on every opportunity, running away with the set and claiming the match on her terms.

Ending the match with not a handshake, not a racquet tap, but a wave...

"I wasn't getting a good rhythm out here, and I just kept thinking Serena, play like you've been practicing," Serena said after the match. "I knew that I could play a little bit better if I just hung in there."

Although weird for tennis fans to watch, Serena embraced the new quiet atmosphere.

"It was a really calm atmosphere, it was really chill. I can't say I disliked it at all," Serena said. "I kind of didn't mind it, it was different, I've been through so many things in my career and this was totally different. I think I won today because I was calm for once in my career."

Serena hasn't competed in any exhibitions during the tour shutdown, and will be looking to build on her Lexington opener as she awaits the winner of her sister Venus and Victoria Azarenka.

"I don't know if I need to work on anything," Serena said."I'm playing unbelievable in practice. So, I'm actually calm and I know that I'm going to get better with each match and I'm OK with that, because I know compared to what I'm practicing that was nothing."