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With the 40-year-old Williams indicating the U.S. 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.
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.
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.
"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."
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".
"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."
(Reporting by Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai; editing by Robert
Birsel)
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