Serena scores a win and a tribute fit for a Queen at 2022 US Open
By Dwight Casimere
Photo: Courtesy USTA
“I don’t want to use the ‘R’ word (retirement), I like to call it evolution.”
Serena Williams reflected on her plans for the future after her expected retirement following her resounding defeat of No. 80 ranked Danka Kovinic’s, Montenegro’s only professional tennis player, in straight sets, 6-3,6-3. Serena once again took the famous victory twirl at center court. The match was like watching a live baby chicken being served to a boa constrictor.
In a courtside interview with TV’s Gayle King following the victory, Serena expounded on her plans for the future, following her announced exit from the world of professional tennis after this year’s Open.
“I have Serena Ventures. We invest in women and people of color. I really want to spend more time at home and work on my spiritual life, and that is really important to me. Its like ‘Serena 2.0!’”
Gail King, who conducted the interview, asked Serena about her elaborate sequined outfit that she wore during the match. “It has six layers, representing my six wins (at the U.S. Open. “I took two off because it was too hot.”
Serena’s appearance marked an all-time night-session attendance record for the US Open with 29,402 coming to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The competition also scored a TV ratings record for ESPN which carried the match.
When asked by King about her legacy and her impact on young girls who may want to emulate her, Serena said “I just want people to think that its important to try really hard. I mean, I’ve been down and out so many times in the public eye and I’ve had to bounce back. So, you just never give up. I know it sounds so cliché, but it really means something. I want people to be inspired by my story. I’m from Compton, California and I made it!”
With a galaxy of stars in the stands, including Gladys Knight, Queen Latifah, Mike Tyson and TVs Anthony Anderson, the tribute concluded with a fan-participation event, that spelled out ‘We Love You, Serena,’ which could be seen as far away as by cameras in orbiting satellites.
Serena next faces No. 2 seed Anna Kontaveit.