From the build-up to the championship, the ongoing US Open has been widely touted to be the last for tennis legend, Serena Williams. Now, nobody is so sure any more.
The legend’s second round performance and win over World Number 2, Anett Kontaveit of Estonia during which the capacity arena rooted for Serena endlessly gave more than a glimmer of hope that the legend may end her glorious career in a grand style.
On Wednesday, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Serena Williams defeated world No. 2 Anett Kontaveit of Estonia 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-2 in the second round before a roaring crowd that just cheered and cheered.
The second-round victory is one game Serena’s daughter, Olympia who turned five Thursday, and husband will cherish for a long time to come. They hailed, clapped, cheered anyhow, anyway.
Serena, 40, played the game of her life to advance to the third round where she faces Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic.
Tomljanovic, who was playing at the same time as Williams on Wednesday, defeated Russian Evgeniya Rodina 1-6, 6-2, 7-5.
The third round begins on Friday and, in addition to the singles, the tennis legend also has women’s doubles on her US Open agenda, teaming up with her sister, Venus Williams.
In a post-game interview after her win in the US Open, Serena Williams was asked if she was surprised at her level of play during the encounter.
“…I’m just Serena,” she said after a chuckle.
And the crowd roared their appreciation.
“Really I just wanted to just keep trying, see what I could do. Just do my best. I was just really excited, to be honest,” she added.
In an on-court interview, Serena Williams was asked how she just beat world No. 2 Anett Kontaveit to advance to the third round.
“Well, I’m a pretty good player,” she said, laughing. “This is what I do best. I love the challenge, and I’m rising to the challenge. I haven’t played many matches but I’ve been practicing really well.”
Williams was asked how she’s balancing her emotions with what this tournament means to her this year with wanting to win and with her competitive edge.
“Honestly I’m just looking at it as a bonus,” Williams said. “I don’t have anything to prove. I don’t have anything to win. And I have absolutely nothing to lose. Honestly I never get to play like this, since ‘98, really. Literally I’ve had an X on my back since ’99. It’s kind of fun, and I really enjoy just coming out and enjoying it, and it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do that.”
