Serena Williams resists… and begins to annoy the organizers of the US Open. For what is supposed to be the last tournament of her immense career, the American, who had not chained two consecutive victories since Roland-Garros 2021, qualified for the 3rd round on Wednesday evening by dismissing the world number 2 Anett Kontaveit (7-6, 2-6, 6-2).
The American federation will have to adapt its tribute program, because like Monday, the ceremony was the same: its entry on the court was preceded by the same speech by Queen Latifah and the same words by Oprah Winfrey saluted its greatness, once the game is over. The organizers would be well advised to find other ideas, because at this rate, we would not be surprised if Serena returns five more times to the Arthur-Ashe court.
It must be said that not many people expected the 41-year-old to pass the Kontaveit obstacle. His level surprises everyone. Well, except her. It was with a simple smile that she answered Wednesday evening to the question of whether she was surprised to play so well. “I am Serena, you know, she declared after the meeting, in front of 23,800 spectators won over to her cause. I’m a pretty good player. »
Certainly, we will not contradict her on this point. In addition, she found the key to play relaxed as rarely since the start of the tournament. “I take everything as a bonus. It’s a funny mix between enjoying and staying focused. I try to find the right percentage of each, she explained a little later. I feel like I’ve had a huge red target on my back since winning the 1999 US Open. I’ve had it my entire career because I won my first Grand Slam early in my career. But here it is different. I feel like I’ve already won, figuratively speaking, in my mind. Tonight I was like, “Serena, you’ve already won, so play, be Serena. You’re better than that.” »
From there to dream of an improbable 24th Grand Slam title? The person concerned, who will be opposed to the Australian Ajla Tomljanovic (46th in the world) in the 3rd round, will wait a little before talking about it. “I can’t project myself that far. I’m here tonight. I have fun and I have fun, ”she evacuated. Still, we’re starting to wonder who can stop him… without really wanting to look either.