US Open 2022: Serena Williams beats Danka Kovinić in straight sets

 Serena Williams had the entire US Open crowd behind her when she took to the court in the first round of what will likely be her final career Grand Slam tournament.

And she had a classic night.

Dominating Montenegro's Danka Kovinić in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, Williams showed she is still a force to be reckoned with, hitting some shorts with the incredible accuracy she has displayed throughout her career.

The 40-year-old tennis legend had nine cases and at one point had won 11 straight points and four straight matches. While Kovinić struggled throughout the match, Williams took advantage of her size and showed why she is considered one of the best in the world, sprinting to return drop shots at the net and knocking the ball into the opponent's side at every opportunity.

Gayle King, who was on the court to introduce Williams to the microphone, wondered if Williams would actually stay retired because she looked like her old self.

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"I always have to do my best. I feel so good on this court and in front of everyone here. When I go out on the court, I want to do my best on that particular day." she said. "That's really all I can do."

She had huge support from the crowd and Williams described the fans as "crazy" and thanked them for their support.

Williams suggested that the US Open at Flushing Meadows in New York would be her final career tournament as she evolved into a new phase of her career.

Serena Williams proves the show isn't over with an impressive US Open victory

• The 23-time major champion defeated Danka Kovinicová 6-3, 6-3
• The American suggested that she would leave after the tournament
• How it happened: Beau Dure's play-by-play report

Serena Williams has extended her anticipated farewell tour by at least two more days.

The 23-time major singles champion overcame nerves and errant serves to win 6-3, 6-3 against Dance Kovinić in her US Open first-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium to set up the much-anticipated final tournament. a glittering 27-year professional career on a winning note.

Williams, who announced her plans to retire earlier this month, entered Monday night's main event ranked 605th in the world, having won one singles match in 450 days. But the American star cruised to a record 107th win at the six-time tournament in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 23,000 who were bursting with grand final atmosphere - with thousands more watching on a giant screen from the fountain square outside the stadium.