Serena Williams will look to stretch her tennis farewell at the US Open when she faces Anett Kontaveit: time and TV

After his emotional victory in the debut of the US Open, Serena Williams will face a major test against the Estonian Anett Kontaveitworld number two, who could be in charge of putting an end to his legendary career.

Serena, 40, lived on Monday a night of tributes at Flushing Meadows (New York), with fans and celebrities packing the largest court in the world to celebrate the great icon of American tennis.

Wearing a dark dress encrusted with diamonds, Serena responded to the tribute with an exciting victory in two sets against Danka Kovinic, 80 of the WTA. The Montenegrin, without titles in her record, had the role of guest at a party that was not a farewell party because Serena took out the claw with which she won 23 Grand Slam crowns.

“The more tournaments I play, the more I feel like I belong in this. It’s a hard feeling to leave knowing that the more you do it, the more you can shine”, he acknowledged after the victory and added: “But it’s time to evolve towards the next thing, there are many other things I want to do”.

Now, the American will try to enjoy another magical night on the track Arthur Ashe against Kontaveit, in a duel that will start at 7:00 p.m. local time (11:00 p.m. GMT).

Anticipating the great environmental pressure it will face, Kontaveit made it clear that she accepts the challenge of perhaps being Williams’ last rival. “I really want (to play against Serena). I really wanted her to win her first match because I’ve never played against her. And this is my last chance. Better late than never”, she assured after beating the Romanian Jaqueline Cristian (77) in straight sets.

In turn, the Estonian, a solid tennis player but with a history of disappointments in the Grand Slams, stated that she will not be intimidated by facing “the best player of all time” pushed by the 23,800 fans that will fill the Arthur Ashe track.

“I’m going to fight as much as I can, at every point,” promised the 26-year-old tennis player, whose best result in a Grand Slam is the quarterfinals of the 2020 Australian Open. In seven appearances in New York, Kontaveit has not surpassed the round of 16 of a US Open, a tournament that Serena has won in six times, the first when he made himself known to the world in 1999 at the age of 19.

“He hits the ball very hard and has excellent touch that allows him to put it where he wants. I will have to be prepared to receive such strong balls, especially in the serve”recognition Kontaveit.

If she can get past the Estonian, Williams’ third-round opponent will be la australiana Ajla Tomljanovic (46) o la rusa Evgeniya Rodina, without a place in the ranking for not competing since January 2019.

HOUR: 23:00 GMT (20:00 ARG-URU / 19:00 CHI-PAR-VEN-BOL / 18:00 COL-PER-ECU-MEX)

TV: ESPN

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