Photo credit: Robert Deutsch/ USA TODAY Sports
Ahead of her U.S. Open return on Monday night, Serena Williams shared her powerful new Nike ad, which features clips of her past U.S. Open appearances along with an inspirational narration from her her father and former coach Richard Williams. In it, you’ll hear her father say to young Serena: “Put it away. Just like you want to win. Just like you’re at the U.S. Open.”
If you don’t dare to try and chase your dreams, you’ll rob yourself the joy of doing it. Don’t just dream it. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/tjpZzVdP8I
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) August 27, 2018
A few hours later, Williams defeated Magda Linette 6-4 6-0 to advance to the second round of the U.S. Open.
First match back on Arthur Ashe Stadium in 2 years…@serenawilliams defeats Linette 6-4, 6-0 to a rousing New York crowd!https://t.co/fl9GKp76Ay#USOpen pic.twitter.com/cNtbK4O0st
advertisement— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 28, 2018
“The first set was tight. It was my first back here in New York, so that wasn’t the easiest,” Williams said. “Once I got settled, I started doing what I’m trying to do in practice.”
With a record 23 Grand Slam singles titles already under her belt, Williams one step closer to tying Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. She’ll continue her bid to make more history with facing Carina Witthoeft in round 2, and possibly her sister Venus Williams in round 3.