US Open Preview: Serena Williams takes on Danka Kovinic in career swansong?

Serena Williams plays her 121st main draw singles match at the US Open on day one of the 2022 event, but will it be her last?

The 23-time Major champion faces world number 80 Danka Kovinic to kick off the first night session on Arthur Ashe this year.

And the 27-year-old Montenegrin is no slump, with Kovinic taking out Emma Raducanu in the second round of the Australian Open back in January.

Serena has won just one singles match from four played since returning at Wimbledon in June, and the 40-year-old is well beyond her best as she prepares to step away from the court.

But the occasion could affect both players in a myriad of ways. Serena might be overwhelmed in front of a packed out Arthur Ashe Stadium, the sport’s biggest arena, or Kovinic could feel that way given her inexperience in front of the biggest crowds.

Or Serena could draw power from being in New York, a place where she has never lost in the first round in 20 appearances, whereas Kovinic may relish the chance to be the last player that the GOAT ever faced.

Either way, the moment will be one to remember as it kicks off the 81st and final Major appearance of perhaps the greatest player in the history of the sport and six-time US Open champion.

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