US Open: Second seed Kontaveit can't wait for Serena showdown | Inquirer Sports

US Open: Second seed Kontaveit can’t wait for Serena showdown

/ 02:50 PM August 30, 2022

Anett Kontaveit

Aug 29, 2022; Flushing, NY, USA; Anett Kontaveit of Estonia hits a shot against Jaqueline Adina Cristian of Romania on day one of the 2022 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK – Anett Kontaveit is guaranteed a frenzied atmosphere in her next outing at Flushing Meadows against Serena Williams but rather than being nervous about it, the second-seeded Estonian said she cannot wait for the “unique experience.”

With the 40-year-old Williams indicating the US Open could be the final event of her storied career, the hardcourt Grand Slam set an all-time night-session attendance record on Monday with 29,402 flocking to the sprawling site.

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The 23-time major winner ensured that the celebrations will continue at least for some more time, defeating Dank Kovinic 6-3 6-3 in front of a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, teeming with celebrities and her fellow players.

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Flushing Meadows is expected to be similarly boisterous on Wednesday with the same level of energy in the stands when Williams meets Kontaveit.

“I’m really excited. I was really rooting for her to win today,” Kontaveit told reporters after her 6-3 6-0 victory over Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian. “I’ve never played against her. I mean, this is the last chance. Better late than never.

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“I think the atmosphere is going to be amazing. I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be one of those matches this year that … I just have no pressure on me. I’ll just get to enjoy and play as good as I can on the day.”

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The match could be the final singles outing for American Williams and Kontaveit promised to give her best against the “greatest player of all time”.

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“I just remember her always fighting, her always fist pumping, always being so intense on the court, which I think is great. The matches are so competitive. She’s just always there. She’s always fighting. She’s always giving 100%,” she added.

“I’m just going to take it as a real unique experience. I’m not sure if I’ll ever experience something like this again.”

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TAGS: Anett Kontaveit, Serena Williams, US Open

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