U.S. Open Day One Recap: Vintage Serena and Murray Shine on Day One

August 30, 2022 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
serena 1
Photo Credit: Garrett Ellwood/USTA

 

All eyes were on Serena Williams on Monday night, and she did not disappoint.

With this year’s U.S. Open serving as her last professional tournament, the celebrities were out in full force inside Arthur Ashe Stadium as fans shuffled in to witness what was possibly Serena’s final professional match.

But the American ensured fans at least one more match in her career as she defeated Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic 6-3, 6-3 to secure her place in the second round.

“When I walked out, the reception was really overwhelming,” said Serena. “It was loud and I could feel it in my chest. It was a really good feeling. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget. That meant a lot to me.”

Serena will face a tough test on Wednesday when she meets the second-seed Anett Kontaveit of Estonia. Kontaveit defeated Jacqueline Christian 6-3, 6-0 in her opener on Monday.

Another veteran player who turned back the clock was Andy Murray, who delivered his first straight-sets win at the U.S. Open since 2016 with a 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 performance over 24th seeded Argentine Francisco Cerundolo.

“It was really tricky conditions out there. At the beginning it was actually okay, but towards the end it was really getting pretty hot and humid,” said Murray. “You know, I thought I did a pretty good job out there. I could have closed some of the sets quicker, but overall it was a solid performance.”

Murray moves into a showdown with American Emilio Nava, who outlasted Australian John Millman in five sets.

Click Here to see the full results from Day One at Flushing Meadows.

 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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