Serena Williams pays tribute to ‘crazy’ US Open crowd as Grand Slam legend powers into round two

Serena Williams paid tribute to the ‘crazy’ US Open crowd as she sealed her place in the second round of what will be her final Grand Slam singles tournament appearance.

The 40-year-old announced earlier this month that she was ready to ‘evolve away from tennis’ and pursue her other interests, despite feeling she still has plenty to offer the sport she has dominated for the best part of two decades.

A record crowd came to witness the latest chapter in the Williams’ farewell tour last night as a montage, voiced by Queen Latifah, played of Williams’ six singles titles at Flushing Meadows.

Then out came the woman herself, dressed, as only she could be, in a self-designed gown and shoes featuring diamonds, crystals and gold.

‘I think when I walked out, the reception was really overwhelming,’ she said later following a straight sets victory.

‘It was loud and I could feel it in my chest. It was a really good feeling. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget. That meant a lot to me.

‘I didn’t expect any of this. I always have to do the best that I can. I have always felt so comfortable here. The crowd was crazy! It really helped pull me through. I was really pumped. I thought ‘I got this’.’

The diamonds in her hair twinkled in the lights while among her family and friends sat courtside was four-year-old daughter Olympia wearing a matching outfit and beads in her hair like the ones her mother sported for her maiden triumph 23 years ago.

It was all a little unfair on Kovinic, who had walked onto court to polite applause some minutes earlier, busying herself with her pre-match routines as the noise swept around her.

Film director Spike Lee, one of a number of celebrities in attendance, performed the coin toss before both players tried to compose