American Women Strong At The U.S. Open

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

 

Perhaps they are being inspired by the play of Serena Williams and her performances after winning her two first matches. In the second match last night at Arthur Ashe Stadium, they saw how Williams took out the number #2 seed Anett Kontaveit in 3 sets 7-6, 2-6, 6-2. Williams has joined 8 other American women who are still playing. 9 if you count her sister Venus who although lost her first round single math, will be paired when they participate in the doubles match Thursday evening.

 

Starting Thursday morning the women will continue their quest to get as far as they can go in the tournament. It begins at 11am when Jessica Pegulo, after taking out Viktorija Golubic (6-2, 6-2) faces Aliaksandra Sasnovich. At the same time, Lauren Davis needed 3 sets (4-6, 7-6, 5-4) over Lucia Bronzetti who had to withdraw (Davis was only 2 points from winning the match) when Bronzetti had to withdraw with a left calf injury. Davis faces #28 ranked Ekaterina Alexandrova.  

 

 

 

 

The most intriguing match of the day will see 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephen take on the number #1 ranked woman Iga Swiatek. Stephen’s struggled in her previous match against Greet Minnen dropping the first set 1-6. Sloane composed herself taking the next 2 sets 6-3, 6-3. Stephen had to be encouraged as she saw Williams take out the #2 seed.

 

The final singles match of the night will see #19 ranked Danielle Collins who will take on Cristina Busca. Collins is coming off a very impressive victory over Naomi Osaka 7-6, 6-3. Collins advance to her first Grand Slam Final earlier this year in Australia. 

 

Of all of the praises that have been heaped upon Serena and Venus Williams, aside from their accomplishments on the court, it has been what they have meant to the game off the court. Said legendary tennis icon Billie Jean King of the William sister’s, “they have been leaders, committed to diversity, equality and inclusion. Especially for women of color.”

 

The Williams sister’s are a big reason why there is a large presence of American women entering the fourth day of the U.S. Open. Friday, 5 more American women will be looking to advance. It will include a match between #12 Coco Gauff against fellow American and #20 ranked Madison Key.