Serena Williams 'pumped' as she kicks off farewell tour with US Open win over Kovinic

American 23-time Grand Slam winner swept her Montenegrin challenger 6-3, 6-3 to the delight of more than 23,000 fans on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court

US player Serena Williams reacts after a point against Montenegro's Danka Kovinic during their 2022 US Open Tennis tournament women's singles first round match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, on August 29, 2022. - Serena Williams was set to take center stage as the US Open got under way on August 29, 2022 with the 23-time Grand Slam winner preparing to bid an emotional farewell to tennis. (Photo by COREY SIPKIN / AFP)

Serena Williams hits to Danka Kovinic on day one of the 2022 US Open. Reuters

Serena Williams is greeted by her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr following her victory against Danka Kovinic. AFP

Serena Williams poses for a photo with family and friends following her victory against Danka Kovinic at the US Open. Getty Images

Serena Williams is greeted by her husband Alexis Ohanian. AFP

Serena Williams speaks with Gayle King during a ceremony honoring her career after her match against Danka Kovinic on day one of the 2022 US Open. Reuters

Anna Wintour watches a tribute to Serena Williams after she defeated Danka Kovinic during their first round match. EPA

Actor Hugh Jackman was part of the more than 23,000 fans on Arthur Ashe Court to watch Serena Williams at the US Open. EPA

Singer Gladys Knight watches a tribute to Serena Williams. EPA

Serena Williams of the United States celebrates against Danka Kovinic of Montenegro. AFP

Actress Queen Latifah watches from the stands during the match between Serena Williams and Danka Kovinic. Reuters

Serena Williams signs autographs. AFP

Serena Williams of the United States signs autographs. AFP

Serena Williams returns a shot Danka Kovinic at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. AFP

Serena Williams of the United States celebrates against Danka Kovinic of Montenegro. AFP

Model Bella Hadid poses for a selfie with a fan during a changeover in the match between Serena Williams and Danka Kovinic. Reuters

Designer Vera Wang, left, watches from the stands. Reuters

Serena Williams waves to the crowd after her match against Danka Kovinic. Reuters

Actreess Rebel Wilson kisses girlfriend Ramona Agruma while sitting in a box with Lindsey Vonn and boyfriend Diego Osorio. Reuters

A fan reacts after Serena Williams wins her first round match against Montenegro's Danka Kovinic. Reuters

Billie Jean King speaks after Serena Williams of the United States beat Danka Kovinic of Montenegro at the US Open. Getty Images

Serena Williams shakes hands with Danka Kovinic after their first-round match. Reuters

Serena Williams reaches for a forehand. Reuters

Serena Williams greets former US tennis player Billie Jean King during a tribute after Williams' match against Montenegro's Danka Kovinic during their 2022 US Open. AFP

US player Serena Williams reacts during a tribute in her honor after defeating Montenegro's Danka Kovinic. AFP

Serena Williams shoes bearing her initials. Reuters

Serena Williams in action during her first round match against Montenegro's Danka Kovinic. Reuters

Serena Williams plays a shot. Reuters

Serena Williams of the USA after beating Danka Kovinic of Montenegro. Reuters

Serena Williams advanced to the second round of the US Open on an emotional night in New York in what is almost certain to be the 23-time Grand Slam title winner's final tournament.

To the delight of more than 23,000 fans on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court, Williams, 40, swept Montenegrin challenger Danka Kovinic 6-3, 6-3 as the final major of the year got underway at Flushing Meadows.

"I feel so comfortable on this court and in front of everyone here," a jubilant Williams said after her victory.

"The crowd was crazy — they really helped pull me through. I was really pumped."

The former world No 1 had won just one match on tour all year before Monday and seen her ranking slip to 605.

That kind of form prompted Williams to reveal that she was on the brink of retirement from the sport in which she played her first match as a professional in 1995.

"It was such a hard decision," said Williams on her decision to announce earlier this month that "the countdown has begun" on her retirement and that she "was evolving away from tennis".

"I think when you are passionate about something it is always hard to walk away," she said.

"I have been trying to decide what to do. I love this game.

She added: "I think now's the time. I have a family and there's other chapters in life. I call it evolution."

"It's like Serena 2.0. I will still be crazy, I'll still be intense. I'll still be around. But I look forward to waking up and not having to run onto a tennis court."

On Monday, Williams, who arrived on court in a diamond-encrusted black dress and jacket which sparkled under the lights, overcame a nervy first game for a hold of serve.

The American star brought the crowd to their feet with a break for 2-0, chasing down a net cord to hit a winner.

Kovinic, the world No 80, has enjoyed a solid year at the Slams, reaching the third round of the Australian and French Opens.

The 27-year-old hit back with a break of her own and edged ahead for 3-2.

However, Williams buried the error count — she served up six double faults in the opener — levelled and then raced away with the next three games to take the first set.

Another break for 3-2 arrived in the second set on the back of crunching drives from the back of the court.

A love service game gave the American a 5-3 lead and a final break of the night gave her victory.

She celebrated with a little jig on the baseline and a broad smile, much to the delight of a crowd which included the likes of tennis legend Martina Navratilova, ex-world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and former US president Bill Clinton.

The crowd held up cards to spell out "Serena, we love you".

Next up for Williams is second round clash against Anett Kontaveit of Estonia on Wednesday.