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US Open: Williams prolongs farewell with first round win

John Silk
August 30, 2022

In what is expected to be her last-ever tournament, the 23-time major winner won in straight sets against Danka Kovinic. Williams announced earlier this month that the end of her career is near.

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Serena Williams, of the United States, reacts during the first round of the US Open tennis championships against Danka Kovinic, of Montenegro, Monday
Williams has won 23 majors, including six US Open titlesImage: Charles Krupa/AP Photo/picture alliance

Serena Williams' professional tennis career is set to last at least two more days after she overcame her first round opponent at the US Open, Danka Kovinic, 6-3, 6-3.

A packed Arthur Ashe Stadium cheered the home favorite on, with shrieks of delight greeting every point she won, while a polite applause was on offer for her opponent, ranked no.80 in the world.

Queen of Queens

Wearing a glittering dress befitting of the occasion, Williams was introduced to the New York crowd as the Queen of Queens, in reference to the borough in which the US Open is held, as well as her reign over the sport for a quarter of a century.

Williams got off to a shaky start, including two double faults in her opening service game, before settling and seizing an early advantage to take a 2-0 lead.

But the double faults returned in the third game, with Williams ceding the early advantage she had earned.

However, the 40-year-old regained the advantage to take a 5-3 lead by breaking to love, before serving out the first set to roars of approval.

Blistering form reminds crowd of Williams' talent

In the second set some blistering returns of serve from Williams brought back memories of old, and in the fifth game the American broke her Montenegrin opponent to 15, to put her on the path to victory.

Serena Williams, of the United States, serves to Danka Kovinic, of Montenegro, during the first round of the US Open tennis championships
Williams served up nine aces en route to victoryImage: Charles Krupa/AP Photo/picture alliance

"I feel so comfortable on this court and in front of everyone here," a jubilant Williams said after sealing the win.

"The crowd was crazy — they really helped pull me through. I was really pumped," added Williams, who won the first of her 23 major titles in the same arena in 1999 when she was a 17-year-old prodigy.

Serena Williams, left, of the United States, speaks with Gayle king after defeating Danka Kovinic, of Montenegro, during the first round of the US Open tennis championships
Many regard Serena Williams the greatest tennis player to ever pick up a racketImage: John Minchillo/AP Photo/picture alliance

Earlier this month, Williams said she is preparing to end her tennis career, but a victory on Monday night prolongs her career for at least one more match. In the second-round match she will play against No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit of Estonia.

Edited by: Zac Crellin

John Silk Editor and writer for English news, as well as the Culture and Asia Desks.@JSilk