Estonian tennis star Anett Kontaveit left her post-match press conference in tears after she was knocked out of the US Open by 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams on Thursday (AEST).
The American tennis icon booked his place in the third round of his farewell tournament after toppling the second seed in front of a record crowd of 29,959 at Flushing Meadows with an epic 7-6 victory 2 -6 6-2.
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Williams put on an absolute clinic against the 2021 US Open finalist, reminding the tennis world once again why she is the real GOAT.
The 40-year-old will face Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round.
The adoring New York crowd, which featured a host of A-list celebrities, threw their full support behind Williams, erupting into a wild frenzy every time she broke serve or dropped a winner.
But some spectators accepted criticism for cheering after Kontaveit’s service faults, prompting the chair umpire to intervene in the first set.
And that wasn’t the only “disrespectful” moment at Thursday’s big meeting.
Before the match began, Kontaveit was forced to wait courtside at Arthur Ashe Stadium while a lengthy tribute to Williams played on the venue’s big screen.
“Once again, US Open organizers brought Serena Williams’ opponent onto the court before a montage. Very disrespectful,” tweeted tennis journalist Stuart Fraser.
“It’s pretty simple. Play the montage, give Serena a big reception, and then the top-ranked opponent goes last (as is the case in most tournaments). That way, no one was left waiting on the court. Everyone is happy. Done.”
The New York crowd was behind Serena Williams. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesSerena Williams and Anett Kontaveit shake hands. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Speaking to reporters after the loss, Kontaveit had nothing but praise for her veteran opponent, who recorded 38 winners and 40 unforced errors.
“I thought he didn’t have a bad game,” he said.
“He definitely raised his level in the third set. He played amazing.
“In the first set I was serving very well in those important moments. I fought really hard, I thought I had a decent game. She was better today.
“It was her time. She was trying to do my thing. Of course, this is totally about her. I was very aware of that.”
But the 26-year-old broke down in tears when an Estonian reporter asked her a follow-up question about the match, and left the room immediately after giving him the answer.
“I mean, it was hard … it was something I’ve never experienced before,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s a personal attack on me or anything. I mean, it’s fair.”
“I definitely wasn’t embarrassed to lose to Serena,” she continued through tears.
“It was very difficult with people.”
Sports journalist Gunnar Lehestelater later explained on Twitter: “Sorry. It was not my intention at all.
“I was just thanking her for the best match an Estonian can experience on TV. She said she shouldn’t be ashamed of losing to Serena and that the crowd was very tough, and that was it “.
After a glittering 27-year professional career, Williams entered this year’s US Open preparing to say goodbye to tennis at the big tournament where it all began.
He is now 23-2 in his last 25 games against players ranked in the top two, a streak dating back to 2007.
“I’m in no rush here (to leave),” Williams proclaimed after the triumph.
“I love this crowd, and I still have some left. See me.
“This is what I do best, I haven’t played many games but I’ve been practicing very well.
“The last couple of games in New York have really come together.”
When asked if she was surprised at her level, Williams replied: “I’m just Serena, you know?
“I only see it as an advantage, I have nothing to prove… I have nothing to lose.
“I haven’t been able to play like this since 1998, I’ve had an X on my back since 1999.”
Elsewhere in Flushing Meadows, Australian Nick Kyrgios booked his place in the third round of the US Open after a roller-coaster match against world number 50 Benjamin Bonzi.
Serena Williams of the United States. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images Source: Getty Images