'I feel like I have already won,' says Serena Williams

After heroically extending her legendary career on Wednesday with a never-say-die three-set win against world number two Anett Kontaveit, Serena Williams says that she felt “like I’ve already won” the US Open.

In front of a boisterous, partisan Arthur Ashe Stadium Court crowd, the 40-year-old, 23-time Grand Slam champion won 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 6-2 to advance to the third round of a competition she has won six times.

Williams’ willpower made sure that the retirement celebration was postponed for a little while longer after she announced that she was already “developing away from tennis” after a 27-year career.

“I just feel like I have had a big red X on my back since I won the US Open in ’99. It’s been there my entire career, because I won my first Grand Slam early,” said Williams.

“But here it’s different. I feel like I’ve already won, figuratively, mentally. It’s just pretty awesome the things that I’ve done,” she added.

Williams participated in her debut US Open in 1998 and went on to win the competition the following year at the age of just 17.

However, it is commonly believed that 2022 US Open will be her final tournament of a career that has seen her win 73 titles and amass a personal fortune of $250 million

When reminded that she had stated she was in the latter stretch of her career, Serena responded, “There’s no rush. There’s still a little left in me so we’ll see. I’m a pretty good player. I love a challenge.”