Celebrities packed the house at Arther Ashe Stadium (Flushing, NY) on Wednesday night to witness what could be the last singles match in the remarkable career of Serena Williams.
Well, what they saw was a vintage Serena Williams performance to extend the tennis legend’s farewell tour.
Williams took down No. 2-seeded Anett Kontaveit — 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-2 — to advance to the third round of the US Open.
The final set was eye-opening domination for Williams, and here’s a look at the match-winning point:
Serena Williams takes down the No. 2-seeded Anett Kontaveit to advance to the 3rd round of the US Open! 🎾🔥 pic.twitter.com/imyfqDhsY0
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 1, 2022
Asked post-match if she was surprised by her performance, Williams said, “I mean… I’m just Serena.”
"Are you surprising yourself with your level?"
Serena Williams: "I mean .. I'm just #Serena ." #USOpen pic.twitter.com/iJ2cUDMx5t
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 1, 2022
The atmosphere was absolutely electric at a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, with Tiger Woods among the enthralled fans in attendance.
Serena Williams has the crowd going bonkers! 🎾🔥 pic.twitter.com/mmULMbDPa7
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 1, 2022
🐅 ✘ 🐐 @TigerWoods with a classic fist pump for @serenawilliams 💪 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/egoBoC96Ch
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 1, 2022
It was a privilege to watch greatness. Congrats @serenawilliams
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 1, 2022
With the victory, Williams will face Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round on Friday night.
While the focus has been on each match potentially being Williams’ last, perhaps she could even make a run at what would be her 24th Grand Slam singles title. If Williams keeps playing like she did on Wednesday night, she’ll certainly have a chance. And there’s no doubt she’ll have the crowd on her side for each and every point.
Here’s a look at how the sports world is reacting to Williams putting off retirement with a fantastic performance in the US Open:
It was a privilege to watch greatness. Congrats @serenawilliams
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 1, 2022
Not done yet @serenawilliams 🙏🏽
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) September 1, 2022
With tonight's win, Serena Williams has now won 23 of her last 25 matches vs WTA Top-2 players dating back to 2007.
Her 48 match wins vs WTA Top-2 players are the most by any player since the rankings were introduced in 1975. pic.twitter.com/5TsD6NYmW9
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 1, 2022
We won. Serena won.
Today was a good day.#skytown #ReCrownSkytown pic.twitter.com/ozppJ4dRsB
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) September 1, 2022
Serena Williams is the STANDARD. This is greatness. She exceeded expectations and became the expectation. Greatest of all time. Undisputed. Watching her play tennis is so incredibly inspiring. One more!!!!!!!!!!!
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) September 1, 2022
This is my one time. Please let Serena walk her career off with a US Open Championship. https://t.co/ymRUJ4ivbW
— Austin Mock (@amock419) September 1, 2022
