23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams defeated World No. 2 Anett Kontaveit 7-6, 2-6, 6-2 in round two. Playing her last tournament before retirement, Serena Williams showed her class and range of shots.
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The match lacked some noise compared to Monday. Anett started nicely but she and the crowd soon realized that Serena isn’t fazed by her seeding and will fight hard.
First set
She saved three break points to hold at 4-3 in a game that lasted 11 minutes. She saved another one in her next service game. The crowd ignited when Anett hit a long return to give Serena a 5-3 lead.
It was at this point Serena played the worst game of the match, allowing Anett a chance to come back in the set.
Both the players held their serves as the set went into a tiebreak. Serena Williams secured a mini-break when Anett played a drop-shot that struck the net. She closed the set with a perfect ace to take the lead.
Second set and the decider
Serena Williams dropped in energy as Anett Kontaveit secured a double break to go 3-0 up. Errors from Anett led to Serena getting a break back but the former reasserted her control to close out the set and level the match.
Serena Williams went backstage for a toilet break for a refresher. She came back visibly energized and secured an early break to go 2-0 up in the decider. The pair fought and exchanged breaks.
Serena held at 4-1 in the decider. It was at this moment it finally became clear that she was going to win the match. Serena Williams smashed a backhand winner to break Kontaveit and close out the set.
Reactions from Serena Williams after the match
“There is no rush here,” she laughed. “There is still a little left in me. I’m a pretty good player, this is what I do best. I love a challenge and I’m rising to the challenge,” said the six-time US Open champion, who first won at Flushing Meadows in 1999.”
“I haven’t played many matches but I’ve been practising really well. Now it’s coming together in New York.” When asked if she was surprised by her level, she said – “No. I’m just Serena.”
Serena Williams will face Ajla Tomljanović in round three.
