(Tennis news) Serena Williams stunned second seed Anett Kontaveit 7-6 2-6 6-2 to reach the US Open third round. The 40 year old was at a vintage best, producing her best performance since the Australian Open in January last year and has given hopes to many of her fans that there is a possibility of winning her 24th Grand Slam in her final tournament. Williams will now face Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round in front of her home crowd and will hope to show the same conviction and drive to get the result once again.

Speaking after the match Serena Williams said “It's no rush here. I'm loving this crowd. There's still a little left in me. We'll see. I'm a pretty good player, this is what I do best. I love a challenge and I'm rising to the challenge. I haven't played many matches, but I've been practising really well. The last couple of matches it's come together. After I lost the second set I thought, 'I've got to give my best effort because this could be it'. I'm just looking at it as a bonus. I don't have anything to lose. I've had an X on my back since 1999. I really enjoy just coming out and enjoying it." 

In the men’s category, Andy Murray defeated American Emilio Nava 5-7 6-3 6-1 6-0 to progress into the third round. Despite the significant age gap between the two athletes, the 20 year old couldn’t maintain his level after a gruelling first set that lasted 85 minutes and Murray showed his experience by growing into the game. The Scot covered the ground effortlessly, limiting his unforced errors and put Nava under tremendous pressure. Murray has reached the third round of the US Open for the first time in his career and will now face 3th seed Matteo Berrettini who defeated Hugo Grenier 2-6 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (9-7).

Speaking after the match Andy Murray said “Physically, this is the best I've felt in the last few years. My movement is by far the best it has been in a long time and that's always been a really important part of my game. Especially nowadays, a lot of the guys are hitting a huge ball and you have to be able to defend well. I feel like I'm doing that just now. I feel like I'm getting closer to where I want to be and hopefully I can have a deep run here." 

Also read: US Open: Serena Williams secures first round win over Danka Kovinic