For top seed Serena Williams, even she probably expected to move through her US Open second round with ease. She did just that in straight sets. But Williams herself didn’t look too thrilled with her performance. That after earning yet another milestone result in her legendary career.
Williams, with her straight sets win, tied Martina Navratilova for 306 match wins at the Grand Slams for second all-time.
“I knew it was on the horizon,” Williams said. “I knew at Wimbledon that I wanted to get there. Obviously, I’m excited about that. Would like to take one more step, several more steps.”
Williams faced off against fellow American Vania King. Though having won several Grand Slam doubles titles, King recently fought her way back inside the WTA top 100 in singles after spending time away from the game due to injury.
It was Williams’ first match ever playing under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium. The reigning Wimbledon champion jumped out to an early 3-0 lead by simply outhitting King. Yet when Williams couldn’t break for a 4-0 lead, the World No. 1 starting looking more on edge during the match.
It didn’t hinder her play though. Williams went on to wrap up the first set 6-3.
Williams increasingly grew frustrated at her returns as King started to take care of her own serve better. Even after Williams broke King’s serve for 2-1, the top seed still didn’t look happy about her overall performance.
Williams took care of her own serve with ease. The six-time champion continued to hit her serves with pace and placement even though she entered the event with a sore shoulder.
Despite King’s best efforts, she simply couldn’t force the issue when she needed to against Williams.
Williams, who hit 38 winners to just four from her opponent, soon found herself at match point. Though Williams missed out on that opportunity, she soon found herself with another match point. Williams secured the 6-3, 6-3 win with a forehand winner.
Yet, despite the win, Williams didn’t look that happy about it even as good friend Beyonce smiled in approval.
Williams will next face unseeded Johanna Larsson in the next round.