Anett Kontaveit coach praises retiring Serena Williams as 'the greatest thing for the sport' ahead of US Open tie

Anett Kontaveit’s coach, Torben Beltz, has praised Serena Williams as the «greatest thing for the sport», as the pair get ready to meet in their hugely significant US Open second-round clash. Should Williams lose, the encounter may represent the final professional singles match of her extraordinary career, and she will be up against a strong opponent in current world No. 2 Kontaveit.

Ad Beltz, who coached Britain's Emma Raducanu earlier this year, says he typically would've watched Williams' first-round match — a win over Danka Kovinic — but such was the demand to get onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for the 40-year-old's swansong major, he was unable to. US Open'I can't imagine what she must feel' — Swiatek amazed by Serena's coolness12 HOURS AGO “I couldn’t get a ticket,” Beltz explained to the New York Times. “This is the biggest thing I’ve ever seen in women’s tennis.

I think it’s the greatest thing for the sport, and we all have to thank Serena for all she did. Especially right now with the end coming. “I think her ball speed, serve and return is really up to her prime time.

“I saw her other matches, and it looks like she’s improved over the last couple of weeks. She looks in better shape and looks good now. 'It's a joke' — Nadal fires back at reporter, denies time clock abuse 'Really disappointing, really sad' — Raducanu reacts to first-round defeat «For Anett, I think the key is to just go out and try to play her best tennis but also enjoy the moment.