Serena Williams' run in the 2022 US Open will continue into the third round. In a hard-fought match, Williams defeated the No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit 7-6, 2-6, 6-2.
Coming into the tournament, there were some questions about how well the 40-year-old Williams could move on the court. After going toe-to-toe with the 26-year-old Kontaveit and coming out on top, those questions have been answered emphatically.
The first set went to a tiebreak, and Williams ultimately emerged with a 7-6 win. Kontaveit bounced back and fully controlled the second set, 6-2, but Williams refocused and came back with a vengeance in the final set. With the crowd behind her, Williams pulled out a 6-2 win to close out the match.
With this defeat of Kontaveit, Williams is now 12-1 against 2-seeds in major tournaments, but this one felt a little different. In her on-court interview after the match, Williams had a very pointed answer when asked about her ability to out-duel Kontaveit.
"Well ... I'm a pretty good player," said on the court after the match. "This is what I do best. I love a challenge. I love rising to a challenge. I haven't played many matches, but I've been practicing really well, and my last few matches, it just wasn't coming together. ... The last couple matches here in New York, it's really coming together."
When it comes to playing out the rest of the tournament, Williams isn't putting any pressure on herself. With all she has accomplished throughout her career, including six US Open titles, Williams said she doesn't have to prove anything to anyone.
"I'm super competitive," Williams said. "Honestly, I'm just looking at it as a bonus. I don't have anything to prove. I don't have anything to win. And I have absolutely nothing to lose. I never get to play like this, since '98, really. Literally, I've had an 'X' on my back since '99. So, it's kind of fun, and I really just enjoy coming out and enjoying it, and it's been a long time since I've been able to do that."
Now, Williams will head to the third round, where she will meet Ajla Tomljanovic. The two have not played before.
Serena Williams has won the third set and taken down the No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit. She will advance to the third round with a 7-6, 2-6. 6-2 victory. Williams' final ride at Flushing Meadows isn't over yet.
Kontaveit and Williams trade games, and she is now up 5-2. Williams is one game away from knocking out the No. 2 seed in the entire tournament.
