Every time Williams steps onto the court at the US Open, it’s treated like it might be the last timeGetty Images
According to Howard Fendrich of the Associated Press, the main draw for the US Open begins today and is a “one-of-a-kind” tournament that “will be about Serena Williams first and foremost.” Howard Fendrich of the Associated Press said. Whether it will “actually be the final event in her long, storied and influential playing career” remains to be seen. The focus on Williams at Meadows “fits well because for most of the last 20 years, and tennis in general, and the US Open in particular, the focus has been on Williams.” Every time I step in, “it’s treated as if it might be the last time”.AP, 8/28). In LA, Mirjam Swanson writes: Who doesn’t want something worthy of a Hollywood ending?” If “Sorry” was a star in tennis, “Breaking the mold, recalibrating expectations, speaking in a fresh style, playing the game.” By rocking the changing style, you will become Serena, the modern hero.Sports sense”(LA Daily News, 8/29).
All Eyes On Me: In LA, Helene Elliot writes that in NY, “All eyes are on Serena.” In NY, the six-time US Open champion will face Danka Kobinic tonight at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Williams “may not match or surpass” Margaret Court’s 24 Grand Slam singles titles, but “it’s largely irrelevant given the immense impact Williams has had on and off the court.” Chris Evert of ESPN: “She revolutionized tennis. I feel like I gave it to you.Even on the court, I will continue to be a woman.”(LA Times, 8/29). ESPN’s Chris McKendry said Coco Gauff “told me Serena Williams was holding a torch, not passing it.”“U.S. Open SportsCenter,” ESPN2, 8/28).
game changer: In a special for the NY TIMES, Billie Jean King wrote that Williams’ “presence and politics set the game on fire.” She “changed the way tennis is played” (The New York Times, 8/29). An editorial in the NY POST said that Williams “made tennis fresh, exciting, and dramatic, attracting young eyes to the game.” Her skills “made her a champion, but her confidence made her a cultural icon. She was hypnotizing to watch and kept audiences on the edge of their seats with her drive and tenacity.” , often came back from the brink of defeat to win the match.”New York Post, 8/29).
