The first day of a Grand Slam tournament usually brings a fire hose of stories, with lots of big names playing on small courts in front of rousing crowds.
With apologies to the other 126 players who took to the courts at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Day 1 of the U.S. Open, there was really only one match of import. That would be the one scheduled for Monday evening, pitting Serena Williams against Danka Kovinic in what could be the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion’s final Grand Slam singles match.
Despite the steamy temperatures and heavy humidity, the grounds in Queens felt as packed as they have for an opening day at this event, the bleachers of the field courts teeming, the lines for a lemonade or a table at a restaurant stretching across the courtyards.