The first winner: Serena Williams (40) on Wednesday in the second round of the US Open

JTFMax:

She garnished her farewell gala with a surprise victory!

Tennis star Serena Williams (40) entered the third round of the US Open to thunderous applause at New York's Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Anett Kontaveit (26) from Estonia won the second set but lost to Williams

The 23-time Grand Slam winner from the USA won on Thursday night against world number two Anett Kontaveit (26) from Estonia after a strong performance 7: 6 (7: 4), 2: 6, 6: 2.

After Williams stumbled in the second set, she went into the dressing room and took a little break. Then, she came back with the power to win!

"I have nothing to lose."

The US tennis star was then asked how she did it on the court.

Her response: "I'm just Serena. After I lost the second set, I was like, 'Oh my god, I better do my best because that could have been it,'" Williams said of her announced retirement.

In addition, she can play freely. "I have nothing to prove, nothing to lose," Williams said. "It's fun; I enjoy it."

Tennis icon Chris Evert (67) praised her compatriot after the game: "May I put something in the right light here? This is a 40-year-old mother. This is her sixth match in a year, and she's playing like that. This leaves me speechless."

With a light gray baseball cap: Golf legend Tiger Woods (46)

Numerous celebrities had again taken a seat in the grandstand – including "Vogue" boss Anna Wintour (72), golf legend Tiger Woods (46), and US director Spike Lee (65).

In the next round, Williams, who showed significantly more enthusiasm and self-confidence than in the opening match against Danka Kovinic (27) from Montenegro, meets Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic (29). It is most likely the last Grand Slam tournament for exceptional athletes.

Vogue” Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour (72)

Williams announced her retirement as a competitive athlete three weeks ago – in style for her in the fashion magazine "Vogue." At the thought of it, she feels "great pain. It's the hardest thing I could ever imagine," she said.