NEW YORK They came to the U.S. Open on Monday from far and wide for Serena no last name required, befitting someone as much an icon as superstar athlete eager to see her play or, if not lucky enough to hold the right ticket, hoping for an.
In her first match at what is expected to be the last U.S. Open and last tournament of her remarkable playing career, Williams overcame a shaky start to overwhelm Danka Kovinic 6-3, 6-3 on Monday night in a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium with an atmosphere more akin to a festival than a farewell.