Serena Williams swept into the US Open second round on Monday 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 defeated Danka Kovinic of Montenegro 6-3, 6-3 in front of more than 23,000 fans in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Former World No 1 Williams had won just one match on tour all year before Monday and saw 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.
“It was such a hard decision,” said Williams on her decision to announce earlier this month that “the countdown” is on for her retirement and that she “was evolving away from tennis”.
“I think when you are passionate about something it is always hard to walk away,” she said.
“I have been trying to decide what to do. I love this game.
She added: “I think now’s the time. I have a family and there’s other chapters in life. I call it evolution.
“It’s like Serena 2.0. I will still be crazy, I’ll still be intense. I’ll still be around. But I look forward to waking up and not having to run onto a tennis court.”
Serena Williams gets ready to walk into the sunset after building a highway full of dreams
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 No 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, much to the delight of a crowd which included the likes of tennis legend Martina Navratilova, ex-world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and former US President Bill Clinton.
The crowd held up cards to spell out “Serena, we love you”.
Next up for Williams is second round clash against Anett Kontaveit of Estonia on Wednesday.
(Report by AFP)
Here are some of the reactions to Williams’ win on Twitter
Serena twirls for another night 💃 pic.twitter.com/b7xDfQKIzj
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 30, 2022
That winning feeling. #Serena pic.twitter.com/xJ4YUdi1Fj
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 30, 2022
A reception fit for a legend 👏#USOpen | @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/tq3NeAegte
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) August 30, 2022
“I definitely wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for her.”
— ESPN (@espn) August 29, 2022
Coco Gauff spoke about Serena Williams' lasting impact after her first round win. pic.twitter.com/tcQQKLxYQp
we here. watching the 🐐. I love you @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/VGMBT3LbUN
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) August 29, 2022
Queen ❤️ https://t.co/k2FPYttvwH
— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) August 30, 2022
Yesss! We love to see it🙌🏾👑
— Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix) August 30, 2022
SERENA. WILLIAMS.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 30, 2022
VICTORY 🤩 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/ITewxIWYCL
That's a moment. #SerenaWilliams | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/Dx8ItYSfSQ
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2022
Keep that serve going 🐐!!!! @serenawilliams #USOpen2022
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 30, 2022
This is why you’re the 🐐 my friend. Well done @serenawilliams
— Grigor Dimitrov (@GrigorDimitrov) August 30, 2022