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Serena Williams celebrates winning her second match at the US Open
Photo:
John Minchillo/AP
The departure of Serena Williams from professional sport has been postponed again: The tennis icon caused a big surprise at the US Open and advanced to the third round at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York to thunderous applause.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner from the USA won against world number two Anett Kontaveit from Estonia on Thursday night after a strong performance 7: 6 (7: 4), 2: 6, 6: 2.
In the next round, the 40-year-old will face Australian Ajla Tomljanovic.
In the match against Kontaveit, Williams showed much more enthusiasm and self-confidence than in their opening match against Danka Kovinic from Montenegro.
“I'm a pretty good player.
I'm just Serena," she said after the game when asked if she was surprised by her own level.
"I don't have to prove anything anymore and I have absolutely nothing to lose." She hasn't had so much fun on the pitch for a long time: "I love this audience and I still have a little something in me."
Williams had announced her retirement as a competitive athlete three weeks ago - in style for her in the fashion magazine "Vogue".
"I'm not happy about this topic, I feel great pain," said the American.
“It's the hardest thing I can imagine.
I hate it.
I hate being at a crossroads.«
Williams will compete in doubles with her sister Venus at the US Open on Thursday.
Her opponents are Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova from the Czech Republic.
The Williams sisters, who have won 14 Grand Slam tournaments in doubles together, are back together on the pitch for the first time since the 2018 French Open thanks to a wildcard.
Serena Williams is considered by many to be the greatest tennis player in history.
Even if she is likely to miss Margaret Court's all-time record: The Australian was able to celebrate 24 individual triumphs in the four most important tournaments.
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