Another day, another record for Serena Williams as she claims US Open win No 102
Serena Williams vowed to relish every moment of her quest for an elusive and record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title after edging her way into the second round of the US Open.
The 38-year-old, who needs one more trophy to match Margaret Court’s all-time record, was forced to hit back from an early break down in both sets before seeing off American compatriot Kristie Ahn.
In doing so, six-time champion Williams won her 102nd career match at the US Open, surpassing the previous record she shared with Chris Evert.
Another day, another record for one of the greatest to ever do it.@SerenaWilliams I #USOpen pic.twitter.com/6l559C0Bq3
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2020
Even with six of the world’s top 10 players absent, Williams’ 7-5, 6-3 win in just under one-and-a-half hours did not exactly inspire confidence that Flushing Meadows will provide that historic platform in little under two weeks’ time.
Williams has endured a below-par run of form either side of the lockdown and came into the tournament on the back of a heavy loss to Maria Sakkari in the Western & Southern Open at the same venue last week.
Broken on a double-fault in her opening game by the aggressive Ahn, Williams was plainly taking time to play her way into the match and despite pulling the break back swiftly, it took until the 12th game of the set for Williams to take control.
Undaunted, Ahn broke again at the start of the second and threatened a double-break before Williams rallied, a run of four straight games setting her up for what ultimately proved to be a relatively straight-forward – and rare – straight sets win.
Second seed Sofia Kenin, the Australian Open champion, is also through after a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Germany’s Yanina Wickmayer.
Two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Mugaruza of Spain was 4-0 down in the opening set before beating Japan’s Nao Hibino 6-4, 6-4.
Afterwards, the 2017 Wimbledon champion revealed her shock at the news that countrywoman Carla Suarez Navarro, the former world number six, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.
Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma
She said: “When we spoke a few days ago when she gave me the news, I was shocked, because I was expecting to see her at this tournament. You know, she’s such a nice woman, so sweet, so kind, so humble.
“When these things happen to these good people, I feel so sad about it. So I know she was watching my match, and we talked a little bit.
“I will dedicate this win to her, because I want her to feel that we are behind her, that I am behind her, and I will go and see her at some point when it is fine.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.