Serena Williams defeated Anett Kontaveit in the second round of the US Open on Wednesday night, continuing her run for another grand slam title in what might be her final tournament.
Williams prevailed over second seed Kontaveit in three sets (7-6, 2-6, 6-2) to advance to the third round, where she will face Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia.
Williams hinted at her possible retirement from tennis in an article she wrote for the September issue of Vogue. “I have never liked the word retirement,” she wrote, adding, “Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution. I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.”
Those “other things” include Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm she started, as well as her family which, she says, “I want to grow.”
Williams, who turns 41 this year, last won a grand slam title in 2017, at the Australian Open.
Following last night’s match, Williams told reporters, “I’m a pretty good player,” when asked how she won. “This is what I do best. I love a challenge, I love rising to the challenge.”
She was celebrated by fans in Arthur Ashe Stadium, including Tiger Woods, and on Twitter.
“Thank you @SerenaWilliams for inspiring people around the world with your talent, grace, and determination both on and off the court,” wrote Vice President Kamala Harris. “We celebrate all that you have been, all that you are, and all that is to come.”
Thank you @SerenaWilliams for inspiring people around the world with your talent, grace, and determination both on and off the court. We celebrate all that you have been, all that you are, and all that is to come.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 1, 2022
“It was a privilege to watch greatness,” Woods wrote on his account following the match.
It was a privilege to watch greatness. Congrats @serenawilliams
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 1, 2022
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