Serena Williams is free to use whatever terminology she likes, such as “developing” or “retiring.” She may also be evasive when asked whether this U.S. Open will truly be the last tournament she competes in. That right was gained by those 23 Grand Slam victories.
Who knows how long this goodbye will endure if she keeps acting this way?
Whatever transpires after her visit to Flushing Meadows, it’s crucial to understand the following: The 40-year-old Williams is still playing tennis, is still winning matches, and, like the adoring fans whose roars once again filled Arthur Ashe Stadium, is eager for more.
Anett Kontaveit, the No. 2 seed, was defeated by Williams in the second round of the U.S. Open 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-2, guaranteeing that she will play at least one more singles match in what she has suggested would be the last event of her brilliant career.
During her on-court interview, Williams added with a grin, “There’s still a little left in me.”
She said, “This is what I do best.” “I like a challenge, and I’m up to the task.”
Oh, she sure is. The six-time Flushing Meadows winner will play Friday for a place in the fourth round after defeating 80th-ranked Danka Kovinic in straight sets on Monday and winning over Kontaveit on Wednesday for her 23rd victory in her previous 25 matches against players ranked No. 1 or No. 2. Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, 29, will be her opponent.
Williams responded with a hearty chuckle when asked how she was doing thus far: “Well, I’m a really excellent player.”
She delivered serves at speeds of high to 119 mph, stuck with Kontaveit through protracted exchanges of powerful baseline swings, and summoned some of her signature brilliance when it was most required.
Williams walked to the locker room for a brief break before the third set after winning a close first set but stumbling a little in the second.
Someone had to blink when something had to give.
Williams raised her game and became the superior player when play resumed.
Just like she has done countless times, on countless stages, with countless stakes.
“Just Serena here. My thoughts after dropping the second set were, “Oh my gosh, I better give it my all because this may be it,”” Williams remarked, undoubtedly echoing everyone else who was paying intently.
“I’m a fierce competitor. In all honesty, I simply consider it a bonus. I have nothing to demonstrate, “She said, which is undoubtedly accurate.
“Since 1998, I haven’t had the opportunity to play like this. I’ve really worn a “X” on my back since 1999 “the year she won the U.S. Open at age 17 and earned her maiden Grand Slam victory.
Williams missed roughly a year of competition before making her circuit debut at Wimbledon in late June. She fell short in the first round there and was 1-3 going into the 2022 U.S. Open, where she is now 2-0.
Williams has a doubles match to play as well. She and her sister Venus have combined to win 14 major titles, and they will start that competition on Thursday night.