Williams Has Never Lost In 2nd Round At The U.S. Open
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Shara Talia Taylor
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
Serena Williams proved she has “more left” in her after she defeated Anett Kontaveit of Estonia (7-6,2-6,6-2) Wednesday evening during Round 2 of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Williams said this after her win Monday over Danka Kovinić and fought hard to show it as she competed against the second ranked tennis player in the world Wednesday. She grew tired in the second set against Kontaveit, but bounced back in the third set and concluded the match with her signature victory twirl.
“I’ve been practicing really well and I’m pleased that I’m finally seeing my practice come into my matches,“ Williams said about what she is most satisfied with in her tennis performance over the last week.
It wasn’t an easy win for Williams. The first set was a grueling hour and three minutes that she won in a tiebreaker. She stumbled twice during the set, but competed with several long volleys and won 7-4.
Kontaveit played strong as well. She had the huge challenge of competing with the roar of the crowd that cheered each time Williams won a point. However, she was energized in the second set as Williams appeared to tire.
Williams competed in the third set by going to the net, getting spikes and most effectively with her power serve. The serve reached speeds of 107 mph and 119 mph throughout the match. She had this force with her serves, but did better with getting her serves in on the third set. She had 11 total aces in the match. Kontaveit had five total aces.
“I love hitting aces on those type of shot points,” she said.
Celebrities like Gladys Knight and Tiger Woods attended the match Wednesday. She told media that Woods is one of the main reasons why she is still playing. “We talked a lot and he was really trying to get me motivated,” Williams said.
Williams will take on Ajla Tomljanović Friday in the third round of the US Open tournament.
“I am having fun and I’m enjoying it,” Williams said. “Honestly, I’ve had so many tough matches the last… I don’t know how long…that I just feel like just being prepared for everyone that I play is just going to be really, really difficult.”
Williams will compete with her sister Venus in a doubles match Thursday evening against Linda Nosková and Lucie Hradecká.
