Taking on one of the most successful tennis players in history is a daunting process but Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit sees it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The world No.2 has set up a showdown with 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams at the US Open after defeating Jaqueline Cristian 6-3, 6-0, in her opening match. A much-needed confidence boost for Kontaveit who has only managed to win three matches at her three most recent tournaments leading up to the Grand Slam. It is the fourth year in a row she has managed to win her opening match at Flushing Meadows.
Kontaveit will now prepare for her first-ever meeting against Williams, who might be playing in the last tournament of her career. In an article for Vogue, the American said she is starting to ‘evolve’ away from tennis but has kept coy about her exact plans.
The upcoming clash is expected to be held at the premier Arthur Ashe stadium which has a capacity of more than 23,000 seats. Despite being the second seed in the draw, Kontaveit says she is not feeling any pressure going into the match on Wednesday.
“I’m really excited. I was rooting for her to win (against Kovinic). I’ve never played against her. I mean, this is the last chance. Better late than never,” she told reporters on Monday.
“I think the atmosphere is going to be amazing. I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be one of those matches this year that I haven’t had too many where I just have no pressure on me. I’ll just get to enjoy and play as good as I can on the day.”
Hailing Williams as ‘the greatest of all time,’ Kontaveit said she will have to fight for every point to be in with a shot of beating the former world No.1. She was born in 1995 which is the same year her upcoming opponent first turned professional.
“She hits the ball really hard and she has such great hands so she can direct it anywhere,” Kontaveit said of Williams. “I’ll just have to be ready for really hard-hitting, some heavy serving. Just play very consistent and fight very hard, play a consistent match. I think that’s how I’m going to approach it.”
Should Kontaveit prevail, she could end Williams’ singles career. However, there is still a bit of an enigma surrounding her future intentions. After beating Danka Kovinic in straight sets, the 40-year-old gave a coy response when asked if the US Open will be the final tournament of her career.
“I’ve been pretty vague about it, right? I’m going to stay vague because you never know.” She said.
Kontaveit has won 11 main draw matches at the US Open in her career compared to Williams’ tally of 107.
