“I take everything as a bonus.
Radiant, Serena Williams takes advantage of every moment.
On the night of Wednesday to Thursday, the American once again made the 23,000 spectators of the Athur-Ashe court dream by defeating Anett Kontaveit, yet world number 2, in 3 sets 7-6 (4), 2 -6, 6-2.
A top-notch performance that contrasts with his recent performances on the circuit.
The desire to postpone this announced retirement seems to have given it a real boost.
And if that surprises all the observers present at the US Open, not her.
"I'm Serena, you know.
I didn't play many matches but I trained well.
However, not everything fell into place in my last matches and I was like: '
But, that's not me
!'
And these two meetings, here in New York, it actually took place, ”she explained.
And since she no longer wants to stop, we have to look further into this last Grand Slam of the year.
Being #Serena is pretty cool.
pic.twitter.com/bvVhsMUZkp
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2022
Asked at a press conference about a dream of final victory, she tempered the enthusiasm of certain journalists: “I cannot project myself that far.
I'm there tonight (Wednesday).
I have fun and I enjoy myself.
Honestly, I've played so many tough games since I don't know when, that I feel like it's going to be really, really hard to prepare well for every opponent.
Before looking at the table as a whole, the American will meet Ajla Tomljanovic during a 3rd round which now seems quite within her reach.
"I feel like I've had a huge red target on my back since winning the 1999 US Open. I've had it my whole career because I won my first Grand Slam early in my career.
But here it is different.
I feel like I've already won, figuratively speaking, in my mind.
Tonight I was like, 'Serena, you've already won, so play, be Serena.
You're better than that,'" she admitted.
Freed from a huge weight, Serena intends to bite into this US Open without the slightest restraint.