(New York) Arthur Ashe Stadium had probably never been so full, so loud and so sparkling for a first-round match at the US Open.
Updated at 12:25 a.m.
Celebrities from all walks of life and the most fervent tennis fans gathered there for what could have been the last singles match on the New York court of a player that many of them consider as the greatest of all time.
They were fully aware that this presumed status did not protect Serena Williams from a quick exit from the tournament. Despite her 23 Grand Slam titles, including 6 in New York, the 40-year-old American had only won one out of four matches since her return to competition after a 14-month hiatus.
But Serena Williams was not ready to bow out.
“Wow! wow! wow! said CBS morning show host Gayle King at the start of a ceremony following Williams’ 6-3 straight-set victory over 80-year-old Montenegrin Danka Kovinić.e player in the world.
“I think Serena said, ‘Not today.’ »
In effect.
She appeared on the court wearing a crystal-encrusted bodice evoking the New York night sky and wearing diamond-studded sneakers.
The reception given to her by the crowd moved her deeply.
“The reception was truly stunning,” she said at a press conference. “It was strong and I could feel it in my chest. It was a very good feeling. It’s a feeling I will never forget. »
Among that crowd were celebrities as glittery as Williams’ uniform. Former President Bill Clinton was there, as were singer Gladys Knight, director Spike Lee, boxer Mike Tyson, skier Lindsey Vonn, actor Matt Damon and designer Vera Wang, among others.
PHOTO MIKE SEGAR, REUTERS
Bill Clinton (center)
Their voices mingled with those of lesser-known and unknown fans to create a deafening noise when, in the second game of the match, Williams scored a break of serve against a visibly nervous opponent.
It made you wonder if the Arthur-Ashe stadium had ever registered a higher number of decibels.
“The crowd was crazy,” Williams said at the ceremony, which was meant to celebrate a career that transcended tennis, as if U.S. Open organizers expected his singles presence in New York. ends Monday evening.
“Everything is a bonus”
Nothing will happen. Williams, who three weeks ago announced her intention to retire by the end of the season, will face Estonian Anett Kontaveit, the second seed at the US Open, in the second round. It will be a more formidable rival than Kovinić.
How does she see this match which will obviously bring her closer to her last appearance in New York as a player?
“At this point, honestly, everything is a bonus for me,” she replied to reporters. “I think every opponent is very difficult. I saw him over the summer. The next match will be even more difficult. »
I don’t even think about that. I’m just thinking about this moment. I think it’s good for me to live in the present moment.
Serena Williams
On the court, this moment was intense Monday evening, but not always raised. Williams looked rusty at the start of the first set, committing double faults and directing shots into the net that looked easy.
But the youngest of the Williams sisters raised her level of play as the match progressed, managing to dictate the exchanges in the second set and put on a few aces that recalled her best days.
The crowd not only applauded his good shots, but also his opponent’s bad ones. Between exchanges, some viewers with well-developed vocal cords even sent Williams messages of affection.
“I love you Serena,” one exclaimed.
Another immediately added: “I love you more. »
To buckle the buckle
Like Williams, Kovinić won’t soon forget that New York crowd.
“I couldn’t hear the sound of the ball when I hit it, the crowd was so loud,” said the 27-year-old Montenegrin. “When I realized what was happening, I realized that the match was going to be difficult. »
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play against Serena, especially in a night match on Arthur-Ashe.
Danka Kovinic
Even if she didn’t survive Kontaveit, Williams wouldn’t leave New York immediately. She is listed as a double with her sister Venus.
For the Williams, it will also be a way to come full circle after years of supporting each other.
“I feel like it was really important for her to be a part of this,” Serena said. It’s my rock. I’m super excited to play with her and do this again. It has been a long time. »