August 30, (THEWILL) –Â Serena Williams overcame an uncertain start to defeat Danka Kovinic 6-3 6-3 on Monday night (local time), in a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium with an atmosphere more resembling a farewell.
This was Williams’ first match at what is anticipated to be her last US Open – and last tournament – of her remarkable playing career.
Williams was not at her best early on. There were unforced errors, flunked possibilities and missed strokes. She went behind after being 2-0 up, going down 3-2. Williams then started to appear much more like someone who has won 23 grand slam titles overall and six titles at Flushing Meadows and knows how to play at the highest levels.
Williams breezed through the final game of the first set, finishing it with a service winner to which she let out her customary “Come on!” clenched fist reaction. The crowd of around 23,000 stood up in a boisterous standing ovation.
The challenge will only get tougher for Williams because there will be stronger players. She is set to meet Estonia’s Anett Kontveit, the number 2 seed in the second round of her final competition on Wednesday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
