The 40-year-old American qualified for the second round of the United States Open, which could be the last tournament of her phenomenal career, thanks to a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Montenegrin Danka Kovinic (80th worldwide).
I didn’t expect all this
Williams said during a ceremony that included Billie Jean King giving a speech.
It was a tough decision (to retire) because I still love what I do … and it keeps me fit
he noted with a broad smile. But I think it’s time and more chapters will open. It will be Serena 2.0.
I always do my best. And here I feel good. The audience was crazy and it really helped me
she added.
The New York audience gave him this recognition by creating a huge one typhus in the stadium, with colored tags, which allowed to read: We love you Serena
at the end of the ceremony.
The public had already given their support, even in excess at times, to the point of applauding the sins of the opponent.
Nervous in her first shift, Serena Williams managed to avoid the breakup to cause a first uproar from the crowd. Hence, she broke Kovinic at the earliest opportunity to lead 2-0. But the Montenegrin won the next three games.
Williams are back in the game after two double faults by Kovinic. The American fielded three plays to bring 5-3 and serve for the set. He saved four break points and finished with two aces and a winning serve.
In the second set she managed to break a first breakaway at 3-2 then a last one in the last match of the duel.
Eliminated in the first round at Wimbledon where she had returned by surprise this summer after a year of absence, Serena Williams has offered herself an extra dance in New York. She has won her first round match at Flushing Meadows for the 21st time on 21 occasions.
Serena Williams
Photo: Getty Images / COREY SIPKIN
Her only second-round absences since 1998 were when she was unable to participate in the tournament due to injuries (2003, 2010 and 2021) and pregnancy (2017). Olympia’s daughter was born on 1 September 2017 during the United States Open.
In the next round, the six-time winner in New York, who is now number 605 in the WTA, will face world number two Anett Kontaveit. A defeat would not necessarily be the end of his single career.
In a press conference, the first since the announcement of her imminent retirement, Serena Williams blurred some traces. When she was asked if she was sure the US Open was going to be her last tournament of hers, she replied: I’ve been pretty vague on this topic, haven’t I? I will stay because you never know.
