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By Erik Gudris | Monday, August 31, 2015

 
Serena Williams US Open 2015 Round One

World No. 1 Serena Williams enjoyed an easy victory after her US Open opponent retired midway through their opening round match.

Photo Credit: Getty Images


For Serena Williams, it may have been the almost perfect start to this year's US Open.

US Open: Chaos Reigns In Women's Draw on Opening Day

The reigning World No. 1 and defending US Open champion barely broke a sweat as she advanced into the second round on Monday night. That was after her opponent, Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia, retired due to injury after dropping eight straight games.

At stake for Williams is not only a seventh career US Open title, but also the rare and coveted calendar year Grand Slam.

"Yeah, it was definitely different and bizarre. But at the same time I was still focused. I kept thinking, you know, just stay focused, don't lose it. You never know what can happen," Williams said later about her abbreviated opening night.

Williams entered Arthur Ashe Stadium to a warm reception from the New York crowd as she faced off against Diatchenko for the first time. While Diatchenko, who has been ranked as high as No. 71, expressed earlier that Williams was an idol of hers, it was clear from the start that this would be a short night for all involved.

Diatchenko, using an abbreviated service motion, was unable early to either serve well nor move to any of Williams' potent shots. Williams broke for 2-0 in the first set and then with an easy ace in the next game held for 3-0.

When Williams went up 5-0 minutes later, Diatchenko called for the trainer to deal with a left ankle injury.

Williams then closed out the first set 6-0 that sent Diatchenko heading off to the sidelines for a bathroom break.

With many fans on-site and online wondering what exactly was going on, both players resumed after a lengthy delay to start the second set. The plot remained the same as Williams opened up another quick lead.

Williams soon led 2-0. Diatchenko then called for another consult with the trainer. That conversation ultimately caused Diatchenko to decide to call it a night. She soon retired allowing Williams to advance 6-0, 2-0.

Williams, who commiserated with her opponent afterwards, thanked the New York crowd for their support.

"I can feel the support and love on my journey to this milestone that I'm trying to take one match at a time," Williams said during an on-court interview and then added. "Whatever happens, I'm here, I'm at home where it all began in 1999 so it's incredible for me to still be here and playing well."


When asked later about being back on Arthur Ashe court that will be, for her, the start of yet another winning US Open, Williams said, "It's great to be here in Arthur Ashe Stadium, to be American, just to be on this journey in my life. You know, it's kind of awesome that this is the last Grand Slam of the year, because if it were in a different country I think I would still love it, but it's not the same as being an American playing in New York, playing for that ultimate goal. But, you know, it's really fun, and I'm literally enjoying the moment."

Williams will next face Kiki Bertens in the next round.

 

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