INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Serena Williams did not get the dream finish to her return here that she had hoped for, falling in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, to Victoria Azarenka in the 88-minute final of the BNP Paribas Open.
Williams, who was warmly greeted throughout the tournament, was playing in the final for the first time since 2001, when she won in front of a caustic crowd that caused her to skip the event for 14 years. Williams double faulted on break point in the opening game of each set, and only converted one of 12 break-point opportunities.