Serena Williams Round 2 US Open preview: Can she beat Anett Kontaveit?

Serena Williams advanced past the first round of the US Open, her final career tournament. But does she have a chance in Round 2 vs. Annett Kontaveit?

There was always going to be fanfare around Serena Willimas the US Open this week as one of the seminal figures in modern tennis (and sports as a whole) is playing for the final time on this grand slam stage in her career. She staved off looming retirement in the first round, though, with a relatively strong two-set victory over Danka Kovinic.

Now in Round 2, Williams has a much more difficult task in front of here — at least on paper — as she goes up against the No. 2 seed for the entire championship, Estonian Anett Kontaveit, on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Will Serena find some magic to be able to take the court once more after Wednesday? Or will this match at the US Open be the last for the iconic figure? Let’s take a look at how the upcoming breaks down, how you can watch, and make a prediction for Wednesday.

Serena Williams Round 2 US Open preview: Matchup vs. Anett Kontaveit

Williams, despite being ranked more than 500 spots below Kovinic, showed flashes of her prime form in the first-round 6-3, 6-3 victory. She served nine aces and used here elite power on her first serve and return to take control. Kontaveit at her best, however, is a much tougher test.

Despite not displaying the best or most consistent form in the 2022 season, the Estonian was locked in with a 6-3, 6-0 victory over 77th-ranked Jaqueline Christian on Monday. She’s an extremely well-rounded player who, in only dropping three games to open the tournament, seemed to be closer to her top form than she’s been in quite some time.

With that said, if the atmosphere is anything close to what it was on Monday night around Williams, it will be a much different task for Kontaveit than she has possibly ever experienced.

Serena looked healthy and powerful, which could be a dangerous combination and one that could ramp up the pressure even further on the Estonian. It will take a focused effort for as long as the match wages on for Kontaveit to pick up a victory.

Serena Williams Round 2 live stream vs. Anett Kontaveit: How to watch US Open

Naturally, the match will be featured in the primetime coverage at the US Open and will be on one of the main courts in New York as well. Here’s all the information you’ll need to watch the Serena Williams match on Wednesday.

• Date: Wednesday, Aug. 31
• Start Time: 7 p.m. ET (estimated)
• Location: Billie Jean King National Tennis Center – Flushing Meadows, NY
• TV Info: ESPN
• Live Stream: ESPN+, Watch ESPN, Fubo.TV

Fans can also google the term “tennis streams” for less than legal options. But be warned, between delays and buffering, this could be an unideal viewing experience should you choose to go this route.

Serena Williams vs. Anett Kontaveit US Open prediction for Round 2

Ultimately, this is the end of the road for Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open — though I don’t believe she goes quietly. The power that the legend displayed on Monday will cause Kontaveit some problems throughout and, based on the entire season, you might say it would be enough for the American to get the victory.

But with the dominance that the Estonian showed on Monday in her match, I think we see a renewed focus from here that sends Williams home with an emotional moment in New York.

Prediction: Kontaveit in 3 sets