(Tennis news) After an illustrious career that has spanned 27 years with numerous Grand Slams, Serena Williams is now competing in her final tournament before the curtains finally close. The 40 year old secured a 6-3 6-3 victory over Danka Kovinic. Both the players headed into the tournament in poor form with Williams winning just one singles match since the French Open while Kovinic has lost her previous five matches. 

Speaking after the result, Williams said “I think when I walked out, the reception was really overwhelming. It was loud and I could feel it in my chest. It was a really good feeling. It's a feeling I'll never forget. That meant a lot to me. I do feel different. I think I was really emotional in Toronto and Cincinnati. It was very difficult. I'm not saying it's not difficult now. It's extremely difficult still because I absolutely love being out there. 

“The more tournaments I play, I feel like the more I can belong out there. That's a tough feeling to have, and to leave knowing, the more you do it, the more you can shine. But it's time for me to evolve to the next thing. I think it's important because there's so many other things that I want to do." The 23 time Grand Slam winner will face Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit in the second round on Wednesday and will also partner alongside her older sister Venus Williams in the doubles category. 

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