bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Agence France-Presse

Serena Williams swept into the US Open second round on an emotional night in New York in what is expected to be the 23-time grand slam title winner’s final tournament.
The 40-year-old beat Danka Kovinic of Montenegro 6-3, 6-3 in front of more than 23,000 fans on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court.
Former world No 1 Williams had won just one match on tour all year and seen her ranking slip to 605.
That kind of form prompted Williams to reveal that she was on the brink of retirement from the sport in which she played her first match as a professional in 1995.
On Monday, Williams, who arrived on court in a diamond-encrusted black dress and jacket which sparkled under the lights, overcame a nervy first game for a hold of serve.
The American star brought the crowd to their feet with a break for 2-0, chasing down a net cord to hit a winner.
Kovinic, the world number 80, has enjoyed a solid year at the Slams, reaching the third round of the Australian and French Opens.
The 27-year-old hit back with a break of her own and edged ahead for 3-2.
However, Williams buried the error count – she served up six double faults in the opener – levelled and then raced away with the next three games to take the first set.
Another break for 3-2 arrived in the second set on the back of crunching drives from the back of the court.
A love service game gave the American a 5-3 lead and a final break of the night gave her victory.
She celebrated with a little jig on the baseline and a broad smile.


Simona Halep questions handling of her doping case after Iga Swiatek’s one-month ban

Chinese Olympic champ Zheng Qinwen to tackle Australian Open without 2024 coach Pere Riba

Who is Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s new pal, Ayan Broomfield, aka Frances Tiafoe’s girlfriend? She portrayed Venus Williams in King Richard’s tennis scenes with Will Smith and supports the Chiefs

Olympic champ Zheng, Hong Kong’s Haughey on strength, sacrifice and a winning mentality

WTA (Women's Tennis Association)

US Open: Serena Williams into second round after straight sets win over Kovinic

Serena Williams hits a return to Danka Kovinic during their first round match at the US Open. Photo: EPA-EFE

US Open: Serena Williams could make a run; Rafael Nadal gets ideal matchups

Serena Williams prepares for her last run at the US Open. Photo: AFP

Serena Williams returns a shot to Victoria Azarenka during the women’s singles final of the 2013 US Open. Photo: AP

Nick Kyrgios will compete in the US Open tennis tournament that begins Monday. Photo: AP

Daniil Medvedev serves against Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Western & Southern Open. Photo: USA TODAY Sports

Rafael Nadal of Spain has been battling an abdominal muscle tear since withdrawing from Wimbledon semi-finals. Photo: AFP

Emma Raducanu during a practice session before the start of the 2022 US Open. Photo: AFP

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz made his first big grand slam run at last year’s US Open and thrilled the New York crowds all the way to the quarter finals. Photo: Kyodo

Serena’s opponent, Kovinic, ‘honoured’ to face her at US Open

Serena Williams in action during 2013 US Open. Photo: AP

Danka Kovinic of Montenegro serves to Emma Raducanu of Britain during their second round match at the Australian Open. Photo: AP

Serena Williams at Arthur Ashe Stadium before the start of the US Open in New York. Photo: AP

Sport

Tennis

The sporting icon has signalled her intention to leave the game at the end of the year’s last grand slam


Williams into second round after 6-3, 6-3 win over Danka Kovinic. The sporting icon has signalled her intention to leave the game at the end of the year’s last grand slam.


US Open (tennis)

Serena Williams

Montenegro