Serena survives opening test against compatriot Ahn to advance
Five-time US Open champion Serena Williams came from a break down in both sets to beat compatriot Kristie Ahn and advance to the second round of the tournament.
Serena. Williams- US Open Tennis
- US Open 2020 second round
- Williams d. Ahn 7-5, 6-3
- Key stat of the match: Williams still on fire on first serve, winning 84 percent of points behind that weapon
- You will also learn: Williams broke a US Open record with Tuesday’s win
- Why you should read this story: She still loves her job and she wants that 24th slam singles title
World No. 96 Kristie Ahn made it an uncomfortable evening for Serena Williams, mixing up her game well and forcing her to dig deep in a match lasting an hour and 21 minutes. Nonetheless, the 23-time major champion managed to get the job done in straight sets.
At times, Williams looked a little nervy, perhaps suffering from a lack of competitive match play, as have all players on the tour. But one thing is for certain: this most determined of competitors. She wants another grand slam title, and still enjoys being out competing and doing the job she loves.
“I was really happy with how I just fought for every point, no matter how I was playing. I was like, ‘okay, now I have to get my Serena focus back, so that’s what I’ve been trying to work on today,” said Williams after the match. “It felt really good. I was like, ‘just be Serena and close it out, so it felt really good.
“It’s quiet. But it’s just such a big stadium and there’s the screens and the atmosphere and it’s still a grand slam. So I’m just as intense and passionate out there. I love my job. At the end of the day, I love what I do and I’ve always said you can’t do it forever, although I’ve kind of been doing it just over forever, so one of these days it’s going to end and I love being out here.”
With Tuesday’s victory, Serena set the all-time US Open record with 102 singles match victories.
Another day, another record for one of the greatest to ever do it.@SerenaWilliams I #USOpen pic.twitter.com/6l559C0Bq3
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2020
