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US Open: Serena Williams wins on her US Open debut and delays her farewell; unexpected KO of Tsitsipas

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Williams, 40, the winner of 23 Grand Slam titles, defeated Kovinic by a double 6-3.

Serena Williams in the match against Dovinic.GUNTHEREFE
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On a magical night in New York, Serena Williams beat Montenegrin Danka Kovinic in her US Open debut to extend her run at the likely last tournament of his career.

Serena, 40 years old and winner of 23 Grand Slam titles, beat Kovinic, number 80 in the WTA ranking, 6-3, 6-3. The American celebrated her triumph in a big way with the 23,800 dedicated fans of hers in the pista central de Flushing Meadowsthe largest and loudest in the world, and now face a greater challenge before the Estonian Anett Kontaveitworld number.

“First of all, thank you very much because I did not expect any of this,” Serena thanked after her victory. “When I jumped on the track I just tried to give my best The crowd was crazy and really helped me get it done.” Although she also competed in doubles alongside her older sister, Venus, the sports world had all eyes on the singles premiere of Serena Williamswhich was attended by celebrities such as Bill Clinton, Mike Tyson o Hugh Jackmanwith the expectation that it would be the last game of his idol.

It is a very difficult decision. When you love something so much, it’s very hard to leave it,” an emotional Williams acknowledged. “I’ve been deciding what to do. Now is the time, I have a family and there are other episodes in life. I call it evolution,” he said. “It’s like Serena 2.0. keep doing crazy things stay intense. Continue to be present. But I’m looking forward to waking up and not having to run to a tennis court.”

One month after turning 41, Serena hinted that she would retire after her participation in this US Open, a tournament in which she became known in 1999 with her first Grand Slam title at the age of 19. After her victory, she remained ambiguous about the Exact moment to say goodbye. “I’ve been pretty vague about it, right? I’m going to keep it up because you never know,” she said. Kovinic, 13 years younger, was overtaken by a Williams who was in his best form since his recent return to competition after a year of inactivity.

The American has relied on her powerful serve (9 aces) to reduce efforts and was relentless in key moments, saving eight of the 10 break balls that he has faced. After the match, the Montenegrin was once again grateful for the opportunity to play against a legendary rival. “Perhaps it’s the only opportunity in the life of play against Serena, especially on a night at Arthur Ashe,” he said. “It was an experience I could only think about and dream about in my entire career. I am very happy to have been able to play against her.”

dressed in diamonds

After a day full of tributes in newspapers and on television, Williams appeared with a focused countenance at the majestic Arthur Ashe track, where she was billed as “the greatest of all time.”

The stands were filled with flashes from the fans who immortalized the moment with their cell phones or, as are hia Olympia, with a small camera. For his possible last appearance on the big stage, Williams She wore a dark skirted dress encrusted with diamonds that she designed herself, made up of six layers in memory of her six US Open titles.

with all the expectacin on his shoulders, the American started serving in a first game in which, after committing a pair of double faults, she overcame two break points. in the next game raised the public with a run to the net that sealed a spectacular point that gave him a break and sent the message that, as always, he had come out to fight.

His game looked sharper than in the other few four games that he had played this year, in which he conceded three defeats. Leading 2-0, nerves began to change sides although Kovinic responded by winning three straight games. The reaction ended up being a mirage and Williamscarried on wings by the public, immediately broke his serve and accelerated relentlessly until giving herself the opportunity to win the set with her serve.

In a peak game, Williams he saved four break points to finish the set and now he can let out his first cry of relief as the crowd roared in the stands. Intimidated by the environment and by the legend in front of him, Kovinic had no ability to react and gave up his serve in the fifth game.

That was the only thing Serena needed to secure her long-awaited victory in her debut and celebrate it with a half turn and a happy smile, before the stands fired her with the mosaic “We love you, Serena” (We love you, Serena).

Daniel Galán’s big night

The surprise of the day was the Colombian Daniel Galán, who eliminated the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, fourth favorite, in a duel that started in an amazing way with 11 straight games won. Galn, number 94 in the ATP and coming from the previous phase, achieved the biggest victory of his career by beating Tsitsipas (5) 6-0, 6-1, 3-6 and 7-5 in a duel that needed nine match points to finish.

“I’m very proud. We’ve prepared ourselves all our lives to play on courts and rivals like these. I’m happy just to play here,” said Galn, thanking the public for their support.

Tsitsipas was treated several times during the match for problems in his right arm and made a threat of reaction in the third set that was not enough to beat the Colombian, who will face Australian Jordan Thompson, 102 in the ATP, in the second round. .

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