This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
On Monday night, Serena Williams returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium, the scene of last year's traumatic United States Open final, and faced a familiar foe in Maria Sharapova. The two tennis legends have a long history, with Williams having beaten Sharapova 19 consecutive times, dating back to 2004.
Williams's dominant performance, which required just 59 minutes to complete, was one of her finest since returning to the tour in March 2018 after giving birth to her first child. She served convincingly and returned ferociously, saving five of the six break points she faced and converting all five of her break points.
Sharapova, a former No. 1 and U.S. Open champion, served a 15-month suspension for a doping violation after testing positive for the recently banned substance meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. She returned to the tour in April 2017 but has struggled to consistently hit the same high notes, experiencing numerous injuries of her own.
Williams's victory came on the same day that the U.S. Open unveiled a statue honoring Althea Gibson, one of Williams's tennis role models and the first African-American player to win a singles title in this tournament. Williams was visibly moved by the tribute, saying, 'I think it sends a great message to me in particular, knowing her story, knowing Althea, what she went through.'
Williams's next challenge in the second round will be the 17-year-old American Caty McNally. With her dominant victory over Sharapova, Williams has sent a strong message that she is a force to be reckoned with at the U.S. Open.
