If you tune in late to watch Serena Williams play at this year’s U.S. Open, you might miss out on the opportunity to see her much. Through two rounds, Serena has played a grand total of 105 minutes of tennis. In Round 1, she dispatched Bojana Jovanovski 6-1, 6-1 in 56 minutes. On Thursday, Williams was even better, dusting off Michaella Krajicek 6-0, 6-1 in 49 minutes thanks to 25 winners to just 10 unfroced errors, a first serve percentage of 61, and an 83 percent conversion rate on her break point chances (5-of-6).
Serena said she wanted to use her sister Venus’ sickness and withdrawal on Wednesday as motivation to do her very best:
“She wants me to do the best. She wouldn’t want me to suffer,” 13-time grand slam winner Serena said.
“So now, if anything, it should motivate me more.”
Williams mentioned that both she and Venus were relieved to know what was finally bothering Venus for some time now, Sjogren’s Syndrome, a chronic disease involving white blood cells and organ and system function. Scary stuff.
“I know she’s a fighter and she’s really strong. She’s great. I think she’s really happy now that she knows what it is after all this time.”
Serena now awaits the winner of Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, the No. 4 seed in this year’s draw, and and Gisela Dulko of Argentina. Assuming the highly ranked Azarenka wins, Serena will get her first major test of the tournament. So far, so good though for the three-time U.S. Open champ.
Be sure to check out SB Nation’s tennis hub throughout the U.S. Open fortnight for updates and results as they become available. We’ll continue to do the same here at SB Nation New York.