NEW YORK | Even the best stories come to an end. But the final chapter of the legend of Serena Williams is not yet written.
• Read also: Goodbyes will wait
The greatest tennis champion will still play at least one match at the US Open, following beating the world number 2, Estonian Anett Kontaveit, 7-6 (4), 2-6 and 6- following a bitter battle. 2, Wednesday evening.
“I’m a pretty good player! Serena laughed on the field when asked by Mary Joe Fernandez regarding her victory once morest the second seed. It’s what I do best. I like challenges. My level does not surprise me. »
For what had the potential to be the last match of her unrivaled career, Serena entered the field to the thunderous applause of the crowd, dressed in the same way as in her first match.
The winner of 23 major titles donned her figure skater-inspired black dress, adorned with diamonds that shimmered like New York nights. Like her hair and her shoes, which were seen shining even in the heights of the largest tennis stadium in the world.
Because Serena Williams is not just a tennis icon. She’s also a style icon, and clearly she wants to stay that way until the end.
Tiger and expensive tickets
The Arthur-Ashe was then half full, but already, you might spot familiar faces in the crowd, like that of golfer Tiger Woods, a good friend of the champion.
Her sister Venus, former skier Lindsey Vonn, the magazine’s editor-in-chief Vogue Anna Wintour and actress Zendaya also took their place in the huge arena.
Gradually, the expected 24,000 spectators joined them for this evening with historic potential. They had paid dearly for their tickets. A few minutes before the start of the meeting, some were still available, but were retailing at no less than $345 each.
Other supporters watched the match closely around the stadium, where you might also hear let’s go Serena! ».
Serena more relaxed
Clearly more relaxed than in Toronto or Cincinnati, the former world number 1 let go of her strikes during the first set.
His stunts – many during this round – have all been acclaimed by fans. Like the faults of Kontaveit, who had become, for one evening, public enemy number 1.
Encouragements were coming from everywhere. Especially when the American offered herself a break point on the Estonian’s serve.
At times, time also seemed to have frozen. Williams was no longer 40 years old, she dictated the game as in her best years. Her missed strikes discouraged her as in her more dominant seasons.
The legend even offered himself a chance to serve for the first set, but Kontaveit denied it.
Serena, however, bounced back in the tiebreaker, closing the innings of an ace, in a scenario tennis fans have seen so often over the past two decades.
Kontaveit finds the key
The world number 2, however, quickly rebounded. The Estonian had found the key: it was necessary to move the champion. She had to move it from right to left.
Because with so much tennis in the body, it is especially the movements of Williams that have been lacking for a few years. And especially since this forced break of a year, the result of a leg injury suffered at Wimbledon, in 2021.
Aided by this strategy, Kontaveit easily forced a final round.
But carried by the euphoric crowd, the youngest of the Williams however resumed her good habits in the third set.
The American has started to take control of the exchanges once more. Including one of 19 points, which she won by easily varying the game.
And this time, Serena won’t even have to serve for the match. It was her rival who offered her victory on a silver platter, allowing her at the same time to continue writing her legend.
The Queen of the Queen’s
As was the case on Monday, a narrated video in which rapper Queen Latifah praised the ” Queen of the Queen’s” (the queen of Queen’s), was presented before the game.
A tribute delivered by Oprah Winfrey was also offered to the winner following the traditional handshake at the net. Williams will now be back on the pitch on Friday once morest Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic, 46e world.
“I love this crowd. It’s incredible. This is all really exciting. I have nothing more to prove, nothing more to gain, but I also have nothing to lose”, rejoiced Serena, all smiles.
