After defeating Danka Kovinic on Tuesday morning in the first round of the 2017 U.S Open, American tennis legend Serena Williams has advanced to the second round.
Williams defeated Montenegrin Kovinic in a crowded arena in New York City, winning 6-3 6-3. This may have been Williams’ last competition as a tennis great.
Nearly 25,000 fans packed into Arthur Ashe Stadium demanded their idol, and she responded as usual.
On Thursday morning, second-seeded Anett Kontaveit from Estonia will face 40-year-old Williams (Nigeria time).
The tournament’s opening night session drew a record 29,402 spectators thanks to a spike in ticket sales following Williams’ revelation about her impending retirement.
Along with her older sister Venus, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion is competing in the doubles. She is one Grand Slam singles title short of Australian Margaret Court’s all-time record.
“When I walked out, the reception was really overwhelming. It was loud and I could feel it in my chest. It was a really good feeling,” Williams said after the win.
“It’s a feeling I’ll never forget. It meant a lot to me.”