Palermo sets example for the return of tour-level tennis
A view of the central court during Palermo Ladies Open tennis tournament in Palermo, Italy, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020. Tour-level tennis resumed after a five-month enforced break and players at the Palermo Ladies Open had to handle their own towels and not shake hands of opponents. (Palermo Ladies Open via AP)ROME The only player who tested positive for the coronavirus was withdrawn from the tournament without ever setting foot at the venue. Local organizers and the WTA Tour have been vigilant about abiding by strict health protocols in order to hold this weeks Palermo Ladies Open, the first tour-level tennis tournament for men or women in five months. A large part of the players are coming from Palermo, Palma said.
Serena Williams defeats Naomi Osaka in rematch
Despite the loss, Osaka, who crashed out of Wimbledon in the first round last month, will return to the world No. Williams, meanwhile, who was recently ousted by Simona Halep in the Wimbledon final, looked in fine form against her Japanese opponent as she surpassed Arantxa Sanchez Vicario's record of 32 Rogers Cup wins. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, videos and featuresThe pair seemed evenly poised in the opening set until Williams broke in the seventh game. READ: Nick Kyrgios enjoys one of the 'favorite weeks' of his lifeAfter the match, Osaka spoke of her admiration for Williams, whom she has beaten on their two previous meetings. READ: WTA Finals offer historic $4.75 million prizeThe 21-year-old has previously dubbed Williams her "tennis mom."