New York, Sep 1 : After making it to the second round of the US Open, Serena Williams was asked whether her first win given her answers to any questions she may have asked about her potential to compete at a age of almost 41. “I do not think I had any concerns,” she said.
Williams defeated Williams defeated World No.2 Anett Kontaveit 7-6(4) 2-6, 6-2 on Wednesday in front of a raucous crowd that was rolling around at Arthur Ashe Stadium.In her final singles game of her career, she moved better and played more fluidly than she has in recent matches.
For the second time in a row, Williams’ opponent seemed more nervous about the dramatic events, especially in crucial moments and moments, as she did.After the euphoria of the first night’s showdown, she was more composed and steady against a superior player who was ranked 78 spots higher.
“It’s not a rush here.I’m enjoying this crowd.I’m pretty good at playing.This is my passion.I am a fan of a challenge and I’m up to the challenge.”
Now, the expectations are growing.Serena is a major favourite over Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round on Friday.
And with an extremely favorable draw, the crowd are going to be wondering in the ring with a determination that she will actually take home the trophy.
“I’m just happy that I showed up, as the last few times I did not appear,” Williams said.”But I’ve been working extremely well and am happy that I’m seeing my work translate into my matches, which is good.”
With a record-setting attendance of 29,959 — with Tiger Woods and sister Venus in her player boxand a resounding support for her, Serena won the first-set tiebreak with two unreturnable serves, with the third an Ace outside.However, it was clear that the effort drained her.Kontaveit swept away with the second set and won six of eight games against the six-time US Open champion.
Williams made the first major strike of the third set by breaking Kontaveit’s serve as her forehand shot from the 26-year-old Estonian flew high.After securing the initial three points of the third game, Williams seemed positioned to have a 3-0 lead, but Kontaveit exhibited incredible poise and converted her break point for the second time.
Naturally, Williams broke right back to make it a 3-1 lead.This time, she added to it with a clean service game.
And then, she saved a break point to take a 5-1 lead, and then bringing forth the double fist.
When Williams won backhand, she was able to get inside the boundary, it was reminiscent of 1999 when she took home her first major in this tournament in the US Open as a 17-year-old — and again.
“I don’t have any evidence to back it up.I do not have anything to gain.I have nothing to lose.” she said.
“Honestly I’ve never had the chance to be able to enjoy this kind of game since 1998, really.In fact I’ve been sporting an X around my back since 1999.It’s a lot of enjoyable.I really like going out and having fun.It’s been quite a while since I’ve had the opportunity to do this.”
Amazingly, Williams is now 75-2 with a record in the second round of Slams with the only loss coming against sister Venus at the 1998 Australian Open and Garbine Muguruza at 2014 Roland Garros.She hasn’t been beaten in the opening two rounds of the US Open.
“I believe she did very good,” Kontaveit said.”I think I didn’t have an awful game at all.She definitely raised her game in the third set.She performed flawlessly.”
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