US Open 2022: Serena Williams Says 'You Never Know' On Her Decision To Retire. Moves To 2nd Round
The 40-year-old, multiple Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams made certain that her fans have at least one more opportunity to enjoy her match.
US Open 2022: With a spirited 6-3, 6-3 victory against Danka Kovinic on Monday, Serena Williams moved to the second round of the US Open 2022. William’s start was a little sluggish in the opening set due to three double faults but she was able to fight back and get over her nerves to win the set 6-3.
Serena Williams developed a better serving rhythm in the second set. She seemed to become more certain in the second set, and Kovinic completely lost control of the match. Williams continued to gain momentum, winning the set and moving on with a 6-3 victory.
The majority of the attendance record of 29,402 people, which included celebrities like Bill Clinton, Hugh Jackman, Spike Lee, Mike Tyson, Lindsey Vonn, and Queen Latifah, were there to see the most dominant woman's tennis player of the Open Era, who won 23 Grand Slam singles titles.
The fanatical crowd displayed their loyalty from the first ball with signs like "Welcome to the Williams Show," "Queen of the Court," and "Thank you, Serena!" scattered across the arena.
The 40-year-old, however, made certain that her devoted following would have at least one more opportunity to enjoy her match.
“When I walked out, the reception was really overwhelming,” said Williams.
“It was loud, and I could feel it in my chest. It was a really good feeling. It's a feeling I'll never forget. That meant a lot to me," she said.
"I’m going to stay vague because you never know," Williams said in an on-court interview after booking her progression into the US Open 2022 second round.
"At this point, honestly, everything is a bonus for me, I feel. It’s good that I was able to get this under my belt. ... I’m just not even thinking about that. I’m just thinking about this moment. I think it’s good for me just to live in the moment now. Just keep supporting me as long as I’m here," she said.
Serena Williams Contemplating Retirement
Serena Williams made her retirement intentions known in a Vogue story published in August. She stated that she was "growing away from tennis" but did not specifically state that the US Open would be her last match.
Williams will also be playing with her sister, Venus, in the Doubles tournament. That is something Williams is really looking forward to.
Serena Williams moved to the second round of the US Open and gave a signal she is not yet ready to retire. She will be facing Anett Kontaveit in the second round. Anett Kontaveit the second seed from Estonia, is standing by after easily defeating Jaqueline Cristian 6-3, 6-0.