Serena Williams’ subsequent opponent feels ‘no stress’ at US Open initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Boston
NEW YORK – This can be the one time you’ll ever hear a world No. 2 ranked participant say they haven’t any stress in opposition to an opponent.
When Serena Williams is a part of the equation, it is sensible. After Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit received her first spherical match on the US Open on Monday evening, she mentioned she did not really feel like she had any stress going up in opposition to the GOATS.
“I believe it’ll be a kind of matches this yr, that I have never had too many [of], the place I simply haven’t any stress on me,” Kontaveit instructed the press. “I will simply get to take pleasure in and play nearly as good as I can on the day.”
The 2 are scheduled to tackle Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday at 7 pm ET, marking the primary time Kontaveit has taken on Williams. Kontaveit even admits she was rooting for Williams to take residence the W in her first spherical
“I used to be actually rooting for her to win right this moment,” Kontaveit mentioned. “Actually joyful to get to play in opposition to her on [Arthur Ashe Stadium]… at evening, in her component.”
What Kontaveit should notice is just not solely is she enjoying in opposition to Williams but in addition the world’s largest tennis stadium stuffed with “Rena’s Military,” the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s diehard fan base.
Let’s get to know the Serena Williams-Anett Kontaveit matchup:
Who’s Anett Kontaveit?
Anett Kontaveit, a 26-year-old from Estonia, is the No. 2 ranked participant within the Ladies’s Tennis Affiliation (WTA).
Kontaveit has not had an amazing 2022 regardless of her excessive rating on tour. In any respect three Grand Slams thus far this yr, she has confronted elimination in both the primary or second spherical.
A lot of her success got here within the final quarter of the 2021 season, profitable four-of-eight tournaments, main her to be the primary Estonian to crack the WTA Prime 10.
Kontaveit has confronted fairly a little bit of adversity this yr, coping with lasting results from getting COVID-19 in April, which she mentioned has impacted her coaching as a result of excessive fatigue. Moreover, she needed to half methods together with her Russian coach Dmitry Tursunov as a result of he was having hassle getting visas for journey.
“The reason being that, since he has a Russian passport, it is extremely troublesome for him to get visas in the meanwhile, that means he cannot accompany me to many tournaments, ” Kontaveit instructed Estonian outlet ERR. “I nonetheless really feel I would like a coach who can accompany me and who doesn’t have so many sensible points,” she added.
What does Serena Williams must do to win?
It is no secret that Serena Williams is just not transferring practically in addition to she was a couple of years in the past.
Fortunate for her, her serve is so strong that she might keep away from these lengthy factors with sturdy serving plus a crushing second ball.
Williams has additionally confirmed that when she’s returning nicely, she might additionally dominate play together with her aggressive positioning.
The excellent news for Williams is that nobody, together with the event’s No. 2 seed will likely be intimidating her on the courtroom.
So for Williams, the match is actually on her racquet.
When does Serena Williams play Anett Kontaveit?
Serena Williams and Anett Kondaveit will play at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday at 7 pm ET.
Who is anticipated to win?
Anett Kontaveit is a heavy favourite to beat Serena Williams, in keeping with PointsBet.Here’s a have a look at the chances:
Serena Williams +195
Anett Contaveit -250
Editor’s be aware: All odds are offered by our associate, PointsBet. PointsBet is our Official Sports activities Betting Companion and we might obtain compensation when you place a guess on PointsBet for the primary time after clicking our hyperlinks.