Serena Williams has again postponed her retirement at the US Open. The 40-year-old American was also too strong for Estonian Anett Kontaveit in the second round: 7-6 (4) 2-6 6-2.
Williams lost the second set to Kontaveit, who was ranked second in the world, but fought his way back into the game. During the rally for match point, it was clear that Kontaveit was giving up in a stadium that clearly favored Williams.
As in the first round, quite a few celebrities had come to Arthur Ashe Stadium, including golfer Tiger Woods. Williams’ sister Venus was also present this time. However, fans did not witness the final game of Serena Williams, who announced just before the US Open that she is looking forward to a new phase in her life.
It is widely believed that the US Open will be Williams’ last tournament. She made this known herself after she recently published a farewell essay in Vogue magazine. Still, after the first round, she kept a blow to the arm. “I’ve been pretty vague about that, haven’t I? I remain vague, because you never know,” she said. After the second round she was a little clearer. Then she said that every well-played game feels like a bonus right now.
In the third round, Williams will face Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday, who defeated Russian Yevgenia Rodina in a thrilling three-setter. On Thursday she will also compete in doubles with her sister Venus Williams. Their game is scheduled for prime time (7 p.m. local time), at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
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