Serena Williams begins what is expected to be her last US Open with a match against Danka Kovinic of Montenegro. Still, things could get strict fast for the 23-time Grand Slam champion, with second seed Anett Kontaveit possibly waiting for the winner.
The US Open draw released Thursday did Williams no favours, the 40-year-old American landing in the bottom quarter where fifth-seeded Tunisian Ons Jabeur, Wimbledon runner-up Daria Kasatkina of Russia, 10th seeded, and Leylah, last year’s losing finalist. Fernandez from Canada is all on the lookout.
Williams signalled her intention to retire this month and said she was “walking away from tennis,” but she never confirmed the US Open as her final event.
The tennis world is preparing a vast retirement party at Flushing Meadows, with fans hoping it will be a long one.
Williams starts her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title on Monday against a player she has never faced before.
But the six-times U.S. Open winner will be wary of the 80th-ranked Kovinic, who has enjoyed her best career Grand Slam results in this year having reached the third round at the Australian and French Opens.
Top seed and world number one Iga Swiatek opens against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini and headlines a full half of the draw, including American hopes eighth seed Jessica Pegula and 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin along with major winners Garbine Muguruza, Jelena Ostapenko and Petra Kvitova.
Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who captivated the tennis world last year at Flushing Meadows by going from qualifier to Grand Slam winner, will open her title defence against Alize Cornet.
Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who wowed the tennis world last year at Flushing Meadows by going from qualifier to Grand Slam winner, will open her title defence against Alize Cornet.
The 19-year-old will need to be robust against the French veteran who is contesting a record 64th consecutive Grand Slam event and reached the quarterfinals at this year’s Australian Open and the last 16 at Wimbledon, where she ended Swiatek’s 37-fight win streak.
