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Meanwhile, Kyrgios opens with an ace and a double fault.
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The countrymen and doubles partners are taking the court. We’ll keep an eye on Tsitsipas-Galan, where Galan managed to hold a difficult service game and is now getting treatment for a leg wound, but our other three eyes will be on the Australians. (I wear glasses, so that’s four.)
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Kovinić starts her attempt to stay in the match with a double fault. Then it’s 0-30. Another fault. An unforced error. Three match points. She only needs one, running Kovinić back and forth until the Montenegrin finally bows out with a backhand into the net.
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That was anything but easy.
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Kovinić breaks the drought with a great approach to the net. Serena responds with an ace, and Kovinić sends a horrible shot wide. Serena misses an opportunity to go up 40-15, and then another error gives Kovinić a surprising break point. Serena flirts with disaster with a fault followed by a let, but after looping her second serve into play, she wins a baseline rally with conviction.
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Then turnabout is fair play, as Kovinić puts a shot on nearly the same spot on the court where Serena placed a shot barely on the line and started her big run. Serena is momentarily stunned but comes back to win the next point on a Kovinić error. Deuce. Again. These are some long games.
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A good serve that Kovinić can barely parry makes it set point. But Serena misses her next first serve, and Kovinić rallies well to get to deuce. Again. These are some long games.
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Then we get a truly outstanding point, with Serena running Kovinić ragged before surprising the Montenegrin with a drop shot. Kovinić somehow finds her footing to get there, and Serena’s lob attempt is quite long. But Serena responds with a serve that Kovinić can’t return into play. Deuce. Again. These are some long games.
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Speaking of long, an unforced error from Serena makes it break point. Again. The fourth of this game. How does Serena respond? Ace. Deuce. Again. These are some long games.
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How about another ace? Set point.
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And how about another serve that Kovinić can’t get back over the net? Set.
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*Williams 3-3 Kovinić (* denotes next server)
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Will two straight unforced errors put a dent in Kovinić’s confidence? Maybe. At 15-30, Kovinić rips one of her best serves of the match and still loses the point, hanging a drop shot where Serena can easily hit the winner.
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Kovinić comes back, though, with an ace and a powerful winner to fight off two break points. The next serve nearly knocks the GOAT off her feet and leads to the best rally of the match thus far, with a nice mix of power and slices. Serena ends up sending it long and then sends another one long to give the game away … or not! Our technology shows us that maybe 1/4 of the ball caught the baseline. Deuce, and then a double fault.
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And that has rattled Kovinić, who double faults again and puts out her hands in exasperation. Serena breaks back, and you have to say that was a little lucky.
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… the coin toss. She’ll serve first.
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Danka Kovinić hails from Montenegro. She’s 27 years old. She’s ranked 80th in the world, down from a career-high of 46th … six years ago. She has no career singles titles. But this is her best year in the majors, reaching the third round in Australia and at Roland Garros.
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The strangest thing – despite her many years as a pro, she has never faced Serena Williams.
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that this the primary time photographers have flocked to a Danka Kovinić observe session?”,”caption”:”Is that this the primary time photographers have flocked to a Danka Kovinić observe session?”,”credit score”:”{Photograph}: Sarah Stier/Getty 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This court could not be more appropriate for a pioneer like Serena. It’s Arthur Ashe Court, named after a barrier-breaking Black tennis player, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, named after the woman who launched women’s tennis to new heights.
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Serena has won this event six times. She has 23 major titles. That’s one short of the record held by Margaret Court, but any consideration that Court is ahead of Serena in the GOAT (Greatest of all Tennis, er, Time) conversation can’t be taken seriously. Serena (we’ll use the first name in part because she, like Madonna or Cher, is recognized best by that name and also because her sister, Venus Williams, is also in the stratosphere of the sport’s all-time best) has spent a couple of decades simply running people off the court.
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And yet … this championship has eluded her since she won her third straight in 2014. She melted down in 2018 against then-unheralded Naomi Osaka. She lost the next year to Bianca Andreescu.
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But great players have a way of putting together one more great run. Will this be it?
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Key occasions
*Kyrgios 6-3 1-0 Kokkinakis (* denotes subsequent server)
Kyrgios has dialed in his service returns now, and which will have rattled Kokkinakis, who double faults to present Kyrgios a triple break level. Kokkinakis’ subsequent serve is sweet, however Kyrgios’ return is healthier, and Kyrgios is in management the remainder of the best way to interrupt at love. He’s 2-for-2 on break factors. Kokkinakis hasn’t come near having one.
Kyrgios 6-3 Kokkinakis* (* denotes subsequent server)
Up 30-0, Kyrgios makes a curious resolution, sending what ought to be a simple volley on the internet up and effectively over the again line. He fares higher on the following level, warding off Kokkinakis’ try and sneak the ball previous him on the internet. That’s two set factors for Kyrgios, the primary of which he squanders with a double fault.
However he ends the set in emphatic style, shifting as much as the web and being teed up for a shot that’s extra of a spike than a smash. No mistake there.
*Kyrgios 5-3 Kokkinakis (* denotes subsequent server)
The statis has ended. Kyrgios wins the longest rally of the match, then sends a rocket again throughout the court docket on a service return to transform the primary break level between the 2 to this point.
Kyrgios 4-3 Kokkinakis* (* denotes subsequent server)
What does this match have in frequent with Pluto? There’s not a lot of an environment.
You’ll be able to’t blame the gamers. These factors can be longer if these guys weren’t so highly effective and exact. A couple of terrific returns, although, would get the vitality stage again up a bit.
*Kyrgios 3-3 Kokkinakis (* denotes subsequent server)
Two aces in one other routine maintain. Kyrgios’ greatest probability was at 30-15, however what qualifies as an extended rally on this match ends when a Kyrgios shot clips the web twine and continues out of play.
Kyrgios 3-2 Kokkinakis* (* denotes subsequent server)
We haven’t even performed quarter-hour, and 5 video games are within the books. Few rallies longer than a shot or two, no recreation going to deuce. Kyrgios closes out this one with an ace.
The match on Court docket 15 is in its fifth set and fourth hour, so you possibly can jump over there when you like. However this one may be midway performed by the point you’ve completed altering streams. (Not that you simply want a stream when you will have me portray the photographs right here. It’s inexperienced, with a blue court docket)
*Kyrgios 2-2 Kokkinakis (* denotes subsequent server)
Simply after I’m about to say Kyrgios isn’t returning effectively, he places one proper on the toes of Kokkinakis to chop the result in 40-30. However Kokkinakis fires a powerful second serve that Kyrgios can’t deal with, and that’s our recreation.
Spike Lee remains to be right here. Good for him.
Kyrgios 2-1 Kokkinakis* (* denotes subsequent server)
When you like lengthy rallies, discover one other match to observe. Kyrgios is just firing them off quickly right here, and he’s up 40-0 instantly. The twenty third seed decides so as to add a little bit of leisure with a fast underhanded serve, solely to see Kokkinakis place a drop shot with sufficient sidespin to take the ball to Brooklyn. Or Lengthy Island. I’m unsure which manner they’re dealing with.
Anyway, Kyrgios hits a winner, and that’s one other recreation down.
*Kyrgios 1-1 Kokkinakis (* denotes subsequent server)
Kokkinakis sits uncomfortably at 30-30 however follows a strong serve with a nifty sliced drop shot that Kyrgios can’t get wherever close to. Then it’s an ace, and it’s 1-1.
Kyrgios 1-0 Kokkinakis* (* denotes subsequent server)
Routine opener for Kyrgios, shedding some extent on a double fault however in any other case cruising.
The gang is not awake.
Galan upsets Tsitsipas
One other lengthy service recreation for the fourth seed, and this time, he can’t maintain. Big win for the Colombian.
In the meantime, Kyrgios opens with an ace and a double fault.
Two extra minutes earlier than Kyrgios-Kokkinakis, and in the meantime, Galan has two extra match factors in opposition to Tsitsipas. And he’s missed them. If he can’t shut this out, this will probably be an enormous alternative missed.
Kyrgios vs. Kokkinakis quickly to start out
The countrymen and doubles companions are taking the court docket. We’ll control Tsitsipas-Galan, the place Galan managed to carry a tough service recreation and is now getting remedy for a leg wound, however our different three eyes will probably be on the Australians. (I put on glasses, in order that’s 4.)
Service winner for Tsitsipas, and he appears happy.
When you’re tuning in for the all-Australian males’s first-round match, we are going to get to it. You haven’t missed something. The Movie star Roast of Serena Williams remains to be in progress, delayed a bit by the truth that Serena needed to exit and win a tennis match first.
Deuce. Once more. Clearly, that is all my fault.
However Tsitsipas wins the following two rallies, and it’s recreation on. Or wouldn’t it be “match on”?
The fourth seed saved 5 match factors. And now Galan has to regain his composure whereas the umpire reaches below her chair to seize some new tennis balls.
Growth increase, and Tsitsipas fends off the break factors. However Galan approaches the web within the subsequent level and performs brilliantly with a succession of volleys that wears down the good Greek.
Galan then actually takes a run on the upset, chasing down a drop shot and getting again as much as run down one other. He lastly unleashes a lob that Tsitsipas, frozen on the internet, can solely watch, realizing his event is over if it lands in. It doesn’t.
Once more, Galan earns a match level. Once more, Tsitsipas fends it off. Then Galan dinks one into the web. And once more, Tsitsipas has an unforced error, and it’s deuce.
Good crowd right here, by the way, even with the vortex of Serena Williams drawing the majority of the curiosity.
Lengthy-ish rally, after which Tsitsipas hits one distant. Fifth match level …
Let’s peek in on fourth-seeded Stefano Tsitsipas, who’s serving to remain within the match in opposition to the world’s 94th-ranked participant, Daniel Elahi Galan of Colombia.
Galan received the primary 11 video games and closed out the second set 6-1. Tsitsipas fought again to win the third.
However Tsitsipas is hitting wildly. And badly. Double match level …
Within the first set, Danka Kovinić arguably defeated herself, getting rattled when a detailed name modified the momentum. Within the second set, Serena Williams merely put it collectively.
The dangerous information for Serena is that she now faces the No. 2 participant on the earth, Anett Kontaveit of Estonia. Second Set Serena wants to indicate up in that one, as a result of First Set Serena made too many errors.
But when the GOAT wins that one, then can we begin speaking a few doable twenty fourth main?
Up subsequent: Australian Nick Kyrgios vs. Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, a matchup that the ever-iconoclastic Kyrgios doesn’t appear to view as a must-win. I’ll be right here for that one after the powers that be wrap up a pre-planned celebration of Serena’s profession. Williams doesn’t truly appear that thrilled to be sitting on the court docket listening to speeches after a nerve-wracking win, however a couple of quips are making her smile.
We have already got an early model of the story:
Serena Williams wins 6-3, 6-3
Kovinić begins her try to remain within the match with a double fault. Then it’s 0-30. One other fault. An unforced error. Three match factors. She solely wants one, operating Kovinić forwards and backwards till the Montenegrin lastly bows out with a backhand into the web.
Williams 6-3 5-3 Kovinić* (* denotes subsequent server)
Kovinić merely can’t deal with Serena’s serve any extra. A backhand winner finishes issues off as Serena holds at love.
*Williams 6-3 4-3 Kovinić (* denotes subsequent server)
Kovinić will get her serve going – one drilled near Williams’ physique that’s returned huge, then a properly positioned ace down the center for 40-15. Kovinić has an unforced error on the following level however settles properly to carry.
Williams 6-3 4-2 Kovinić* (* denotes subsequent server)
This bodes effectively for the Serena-Venus doubles marketing campaign right here – Serena’s internet recreation appears good, with a few spectacular volleys off sharply hit balls. The final goes huge, and that’s 15-30. Two straight aces and a forehand winner silence any issues there, and Spike Lee is happy.
*Williams 6-3 3-2 Kovinić (* denotes subsequent server)
Kovinić isn’t enjoying badly on this second set. Serena has simply discovered that subsequent gear. She paints the road with a backhand return to get two break factors. Then Kovinić, maybe with an excessive amount of time to consider it, places a shot lengthy. The primary set was a barnburner except for Kovinić’s mini-slump after a really shut name (however not one anybody can argue, until you need to yell at a bunch of cameras and computer systems), however after this break, this may be routine from right here on out.
Williams 6-3 2-2 Kovinić* (* denotes subsequent server)
No deuce on this one. Serena holds at love, with a powerful serve organising straightforward winners.
In the meantime, after dropping the primary 11 video games, Stefanos Tsitsipas has come again to win the third set in opposition to Daniel Elahi Galan.
*Williams 6-3 1-2 Kovinić (* denotes subsequent server)
Kovinić scrambles effectively to get to a drop shot, however she appears up and sees Serena standing proper the place she needed to place her return, and she or he sends it huge as an alternative. Kovinić has to go to her second serve on the following level, and a classic Serena forehand makes it 0-30. Cross-court winner for Kovinić. Cross-court winner for Serena. Double break level. Then a superbly positioned ace for Kovinić – it’s solely 96 mph, nevertheless it’s slicing away, and Serena doesn’t even try and get there. At 30-40, Serena places a shot into the web, and we’ve got …
Deuce!
Any extra deuces, and we may go all in and win the World Sequence of Poker.
A poor Williams return provides Kovinić an opportunity to carry. As an alternative, she will get nothing on her return from a Williams forehand, and it’s …
Deuce!
Serena acrobatically returns the following serve, however Kovinić takes the purpose and serves out the sport with an ace.
Williams 6-3 1-1 Kovinić* (* denotes subsequent server)
The important thing level right here comes at 30-15, with Kovinić racing back and forth to lengthen a 15-shot rally earlier than sending one lengthy. A Serena ace occasions up the set.
*Williams 6-3 0-1 Kovinić (* denotes subsequent server)
Fault! Fault! Fault! One other tough stretch for Kovinić, who shortly finds herself down 15-30. However Serena rushes a return, and it’s 30-30.
Serena wins the following level, however let’s not speak about that. The subsequent level is elegant. Slice, drop shot, baseline drive, and it lastly ends with a Kovinić winner that Serena can solely applaud.
Kovinić, although, simply can’t fairly shut the deal. She’s 2-for-10 on break factors, after which on her personal service video games like this, she retains lacking probabilities. Nonetheless, a few Williams errors provides her an opportunity to win on her serve. Kovinić chases down a shot within the nook, and Serena responds together with her worst mistake of the evening to this point, placing the ball within the internet with your entire court docket at her mercy.
From the inbox: Cary Gee asks if Serena has truly stated that is her final event. She has stated she’s going to “evolve away from tennis” after the Open. A comeback after that may be a shock, however perhaps not a shock?
Williams wins first set 6-3
That was something however straightforward.
Kovinić breaks the drought with an excellent strategy to the web. Serena responds with an ace, and Kovinić sends a horrible shot huge. Serena misses a chance to go up 40-15, after which one other error provides Kovinić a stunning break level. Serena flirts with catastrophe with a fault adopted by a let, however after looping her second serve into play, she wins a baseline rally with conviction.
Then turnabout is honest play, as Kovinić places a shot on almost the identical spot on the court docket the place Serena positioned a shot barely on the road and began her massive run. Serena is momentarily surprised however comes again to win the following level on a Kovinić error. Deuce. Once more. These are some lengthy video games.
An excellent serve that Kovinić can barely parry makes it set level. However Serena misses her subsequent first serve, and Kovinić rallies effectively to get to deuce. Once more. These are some lengthy video games.
Then we get a very excellent level, with Serena operating Kovinić ragged earlier than stunning the Montenegrin with a drop shot. Kovinić by some means finds her footing to get there, and Serena’s lob try is kind of lengthy. However Serena responds with a serve that Kovinić can’t return into play. Deuce. Once more. These are some lengthy video games.
Talking of lengthy, an unforced error from Serena makes it break level. Once more. The fourth of this recreation. How does Serena reply? Ace. Deuce. Once more. These are some lengthy video games.
How about one other ace? Set level.
And the way about one other serve that Kovinić can’t get again over the web? Set.
*Williams 5-3 Kovinić (* denotes subsequent server)
Kovinić opens with a double fault. One other fault follows, and Serena destroys the second serve to go up 0-30. A desultory forehand into the following provides Serena three break factors. She solely wants one. Serena breaks at love, and Kovinić angrily sends a ball skyward.
Williams 4-3 Kovinić* (* denotes subsequent server)
The spotlight here’s a Kovinić lob that may have set off the radar at close by JFK airport. However Serena merely whacks it away. One other lob try goes huge, and Serena holds at love.
Kovinić was an inch away from being up 4-2. Now she’s reeling.
Abstract
*Williams 3-3 Kovinić (* denotes subsequent server)
Will two straight unforced errors put a dent in Kovinić’s confidence? Possibly. At 15-30, Kovinić rips one in all her greatest serves of the match and nonetheless loses the purpose, hanging a drop shot the place Serena can simply hit the winner.
Kovinić comes again, although, with an ace and a strong winner to combat off two break factors. The following serve almost knocks the GOAT off her toes and results in the most effective rally of the match so far, with a pleasant mixture of energy and slices. Serena finally ends up sending it lengthy after which sends one other one lengthy to present the sport away … or not! Our know-how exhibits us that perhaps 1/4 of the ball caught the baseline. Deuce, after which a double fault.
And that has rattled Kovinić, who double faults once more and places out her fingers in exasperation. Serena breaks again, and it’s important to say that was a little bit fortunate.
Williams 2-3 Kovinić* (* denotes subsequent server)
The serve appears higher early on on this recreation, however yet one more double fault places Kovinić up 15-30.
Serena will get the higher of the following rally however once more misses her first serve, and Kovinić tees off on the second serve to win a brief rally and earn yet one more break level.
Then it will get higher for Serena. She unleashes a cannon that Kovinić can barely contact, forcing deuce. Then it’s an ace proper down the middle line.
As soon as once more, although, Kovinić appears strong on Serena’s second serve, and she or he’s seeing plenty of them. This time, a superbly positioned drop shot will get us again to deuce. On the following level, Serena involves the web however volleys poorly. One other break level.
After which an unforced error. Break.
This isn’t going in line with script.
In the meantime, Tsitsipas is down 0-6, 0-5.
*Williams 2-2 Kovinić (* denotes subsequent server)
The gang is eerily quiet as Kovinić goes up 40-15. A nifty cross-court shot from Serena wakes everybody up, however Serena dumps one into the web within the subsequent rally, and Kovinić holds.
The celebrity-spotting is getting unusual. Invoice Clinton – sure, the previous president – is sitting with Dr. Ruth – sure, the intercourse therapist. Martina Navratilova is sitting with Mike Tyson and her canine.
What number of different occasions may give us Mike Tyson sitting subsequent to Martina Navratilova (and her canine)? pic.twitter.com/hGoqmFT71v
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) August 29, 2022
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Williams 2-1 Kovinić* (* denotes subsequent server)
Serena’s serve isn’t fairly there, and Kovinić is greater than able to punishing a second serve. A blazing winner makes it 30-30. Kovinić forces Serena into a nasty spot within the subsequent rally and goes up 30-40. However an unforced error takes it to deuce.
And once more, Serena has hassle with that serve. A double fault units up one other break level, and Kovinić hangs in to transform this time.
Serena has as many double faults (4) as first serves. She’s 4-for-15 on first serves. She has received all 4 of these factors. Apart from that, she’s 4-for-11.
*Williams 2-0 Kovinić (* denotes subsequent server)
The Montenegrin challenger rips a pleasant forehand winner, then continues the parade of double faults. An unforced error makes it 15-30, she finds her serve to go up 40-30. Serena fights again with a drop shot almost as elegant as her outfit.
After profitable one other level, a wild rally wraps up the set. Serena scrambles ahead to get to a ball that dropped off the web twine, then adeptly returns each a tough drive and a lob to get the break.
Williams 1-0 Kovinić* (* denotes subsequent server)
Serena sheds her jacket, which certainly prices greater than your entire wardrobe of a typical journalist, and will get to work. Her first serve appears strong, however Kovinić returns effectively and forces a short baseline rally earlier than shedding the purpose.
However then the nerves or the rust catch up. Serena double faults as soon as, sending one huge and one into the web. After a 3rd straight fault, she exhales deeply however doubles once more. A fifth straight fault follows. The following one will get in, however Serena fires huge after a brief rally to present Kovinić two break factors.
After which the precise Serena Williams exhibits up. A robust rally makes it 30-40. Then an ace. Then one other.
She will get a little bit fortunate on the final level, with a shot nicking the highest of the web twine and Kovinić lacking a golden alternative to get the sport again to deuce, dropping her return into the web.
In the meantime, Colombia’s Daniel Elahi Galan has taken the primary set 6-0 in opposition to fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, who tied a pleasant bow on the event with a double fault.
Serena wins!
… the coin toss. She’ll serve first.
Serena is lastly on the court docket. We predict Danka Kovinić is there as effectively.
Ah, there we go.
The Greatest Coin Toss within the Historical past of Tennis is going down now. Or a minimum of the one one with Spike Lee current.
“Is that this the most important first spherical match we’ve ever seen on this court docket?” asks Chris Hockman on Twitter?
It’s certainly the one one which has been preceded by a Ukrainian choir singing in two languages to honor Arthur Ashe.
I’d gripe extra about the truth that we’ve but to see Serena on the court docket, however that is an enthralling efficiency. The gang, relatively than murmuring and ready for the star of the night, supplies a pleasant roar earlier than they wrap up.
In typical American sports activities style, the match is definitely not beginning at 7 p.m. ET as a result of we’ve got to hype issues a bit extra. Followers are nonetheless submitting in as effectively – Arthur Ashe Stadium is barely half-full. Serena’s matches usually don’t final very lengthy, so please inform individuals to get their ice cream later.
Talking of ice cream, it’s 81 levels Fahrenheit with 68% humidity. However Serena, ever the style icon, will probably be sporting a long-sleeved black outfit. For the sneakers, we make a first-ever quotation of Footwear Information. She received’t be sporting diamonds on the soles of her sneakers, which might match the music by New Yorker Paul Simon, however she will probably be sporting them elsewhere on her toes.
We’re now getting participant introductions. Will this begin earlier than darkish?
Who’s the opponent?
Danka Kovinić hails from Montenegro. She’s 27 years outdated. She’s ranked eightieth on the earth, down from a career-high of forty sixth … six years in the past. She has no profession singles titles. However that is her greatest yr within the majors, reaching the third spherical in Australia and at Roland Garros.
The strangest factor – regardless of her a few years as a professional, she has by no means confronted Serena Williams.
The venue
This court docket couldn’t be extra applicable for a pioneer like Serena. It’s Arthur Ashe Court docket, named after a barrier-breaking Black tennis participant, on the USTA Billie Jean King Nationwide Tennis Middle, named after the girl who launched ladies’s tennis to new heights.
Serena has received this occasion six occasions. She has 23 main titles. That’s one in need of the file held by Margaret Court docket, however any consideration that Court docket is forward of Serena within the GOAT (Best of all Tennis, er, Time) dialog can’t be taken critically. Serena (we’ll use the primary identify partly as a result of she, like Madonna or Cher, is acknowledged greatest by that identify and in addition as a result of her sister, Venus Williams, can be within the stratosphere of the game’s all-time greatest) has spent a few many years merely operating individuals off the court docket.
And but … this championship has eluded her since she received her third straight in 2014. She melted down in 2018 in opposition to then-unheralded Naomi Osaka. She misplaced the following yr to Bianca Andreescu.
However nice gamers have a manner of placing collectively yet another nice run. Will this be it?
Good night to all within the US, good morning to these on the opposite aspect of the globe, and good afternoon to these in between.
Thanks for checking in for the all-US matchup between Tenth-seeded Taylor Fritz and Brandon Holt. Fritz ought to have the sting, in fact, however … what? Oh, proper.
Pity Fritz, Holt and fourth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas, all of whom will probably be enjoying on the showcase courts on the US Open in a couple of minutes however would possibly as effectively be enjoying in Guam. That is the Serena Williams present, with good cause. Each match right here might be the final time we see a one-of-a-kind participant on her greatest stage.
Beau will probably be right here shortly, with the match attributable to begin round 7.30pm native time (9.30am AEST/12.30am BST). In the meantime, right here’s a little bit of pre-match studying:
