By Ind Job Info Team
Serena Williams defeated Danka Kovini in the opening match of the singles competition with a score of 6-3, 6-3, perhaps in what will be her last tennis competition of her legendary career.
On Wednesday, Williams will play Estonia's Anett Kontaveit, the world's No. 2, in the 64-player singles round. It will be their first professional encounter.
Williams defeated Kovini, a 27-year-old Montenegrin, in the final 10 of the match's 13 games Monday night after initially having issues with her serve.
Williams claimed she received encouragement from the enthusiastic crowd of over 24,000 spectators at a ceremony honoring her tennis career after the victory.
Despite twice double-faulting in the opening game, Williams finally increased her first serve percentage to 66%. 33 of 43 first serve points went her way
A key moment came in the sixth game of the first set when Kovinić appeared on the verge of a 4-2 lead
However, a Williams shot that appeared long and wide was neither, pinching the outer edge of the singles sideline and the back of the baseline.