Serena Williams kept pushing forward, signaling that this could be one of the final chapters in a remarkable career. On a brisk Wednesday, she delivered a resilient performance that culminated in a 7-6, 2-6, 6-2 victory over Anett Kontaveit of Estonia, ranked second in the world. At the age of 40, with 23 major titles lighting the hallways of her career, Serena reaffirmed her relentless competitive fire and postponed any formal farewell plans beyond the US Open after this event.
Across the board, Serena moved closer to another significant milestone. She earned her 367th victory in the opening rounds of major tournaments, a tally she has scarcely touched in her long and storied run. Only twice has she tasted a first-round loss in these events: once in 1998 against her sister Venus in Australia, and another early exit in Australia years later. The memory of Garbiñe Muguruza defeating her at Roland Garros in 2014 remains a reminder of the fierce competition she has faced. Looking ahead, the American icon was set to meet Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round on Friday.
Venus, Tiger Woods and Spike Lee in the stands
The arena radiated tension as Serena prepared for a high-stakes match against the world No. 2. Arthur Ashe Stadium transformed into a canvas where fans cheered hard, turning Serena into a living mosaic of support after she made her mark earlier in the tournament. The crowd was a who’s who of sports and culture, with golfing great Tiger Woods in attendance, along with filmmaker Spike Lee and Serena’s sister Venus Williams watching closely. The presence of these public figures underscored the moment as much more than a tennis match; it was a cultural event.
Initially, the game opened with a few unforced errors, yet Serena found her rhythm and pressed Kontaveit with precision. Her forehand repeatedly found its target, generating a string of early winners and keeping Kontaveit on the defensive as the match developed.
Serena hits, Kontaveit responds
Backed by the standing ovation and unwavering support from fans, Serena converted on a key breakthrough opportunity to take a 5-4 lead. A miscue on serve, a double fault on the decisive point, and a tense tiebreak followed. Serena stayed composed under the bright lights and closed the breaker with a 7-4 serve winner, seizing the first set in a dramatic fashion.
Kontaveit answered immediately in the second set, starting with authority and breaking Serena’s serve to move ahead 3-0. The Estonian surged forward, displaying the aggressive play that has propelled her high in the rankings, and she ultimately captured the set 6-2, forcing a decisive third set.
Fire in the arena, Serena’s habitat
A fierce battle unfolded in the decider as Serena leaned into her serve and attacked when opportunities arose. She seized a 2-0 lead on a crucial third-break chance and kept pressing, despite a moment of public tension when a few fans booed Kontaveit. Serena responded with calm, signaling for the spectators to settle, and her energy remained a driving force as she extended her advantage to 4-1 on the way to the final 6-2 win in the set. Her resilience and strategic aggression underscored her enduring stature as a competitor who can tilt momentum in her favor even in challenging moments.
Matches with Venus
Beyond singles, Serena remains closely tied to doubles with her elder sister Venus Williams. The two have been invited back to compete as a doubles pair, reuniting for the US Open. Their collaboration marks a rare return to the court together since 2018, when they last played at Roland Garros. Across their careers, the sisters have collected fourteen doubles major titles, including triumphs at the US Open in 1999 and 2009. This ongoing pairing adds a layer of depth to Serena’s narrative at the tournament, highlighting a long-standing family collaboration that has become part of tennis history.