Serena Williams gets US Open farewell off to the perfect start with a confident win over Danka Kovinic

Serena Williams is into the second round of the US Open after a 6-3 6-3 win over Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic on an emotional night in her farewell tournament. After striding out on court in a diamond-encrusted outfit, the star-studded crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium could have witnessed Williams’ last ever match as a professional, but instead the 23-time Grand Slam champion put in arguably her best performance in 2022. Ad The six-time US Open champion now owns a 21-0 record in US Open first-round matches and has not dropped a set at the first round stage of the tournament since 2001.

US OpenMcEnroe wonders if Williams 'could be tempted' to carry on if she wins US Open14 HOURS AGO Williams said on-court afterwards: «I've always got to do just the best that I can. I feel so comfortable on this court and everyone here. When I step on the court I just want to do my best that I can do on that particular day.

That's really all I can do. »The crowd was crazy. It really helped pull me through.

«It's been such a hard decision because when you're passionate about something and you love something so much it's always hard to walk away. I've been trying to decide for a little while what to do. I love it because it keeps you fit so that's a bonus! »I felt now is time [to retire].

I have a family. There's other chapters in life. I call it the evolution." A loud roar swirled around Arthur Ashe after Williams saved two break points — off the back of two double faults and a miscued forehand — before taking her opening service game.