Serena Williams won the first-round match at U.S. Open on Monday to extend what could be last tournament of her career.
The 23-time Grand Slam went all out to down lowly ranked Montenegrin opponent Danka Kovinic 6-3, 6-3.Former world number one 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.
Second seed Kontaveit can’t wait for Serena showdown
Anett Kontaveit is guaranteed a frenzied atmosphere in her next outing at Flushing Meadows against Serena Williams but rather than being nervous about it, the second-seeded Estonian said she cannot wait for the “unique experience”.
“I’m really excited. I was really rooting for her to win today,” Kontaveit told reporters after her 6-3 6-0 victory over Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian. “I’ve never played against her. I mean, this is the last chance. Better late than never.
“I think the atmosphere is going to be amazing. I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be one of those matches this year that ... I just have no pressure on me. I’ll just get to enjoy and play as good as I can on the day.”
The match could be the final singles outing for American Williams and Kontaveit promised to give her best against the “greatest player of all time”.
“I just remember her always fighting, her always fist pumping, always being so intense on the court, which I think is great. The matches are so competitive. She’s just always there. She’s always fighting. She’s always giving 100%,” she added.
“I’m just going to take it as a real unique experience. I’m not sure if I’ll ever experience something like this again.
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