Serena Williams vs. Danka Kovinic results: Williams turns back the clock with vintage showing en route to first round victory at 2022 US Open

Serena Williams has always had a flair for the dramatic.

Now, with her storied tennis career winding down — Williams announced her intention earlier in the month to hang up her racket following the 2022 US Open — the question is: Can she do it again?

Williams hasn’t won a major tournament since 2017 when she captured the Australian Open. It has been even longer since she last won the US Open — she last hoisted the silver trophy in 2014.

Perhaps a final major trophy is one dream that is too far out of reach. But for Williams, quite possibly the greatest tennis player ever, the chance to leave an indelible mark on the court where she was so dominant is enticing.

MORE: Why is Serena Williams wearing black tape on her face?

Williams notched her first major trophy at the US Open. It was 1999 and Williams was just a teenager, unaware of just how much success she would achieve over the course of her career. She stretching across the green-and-blue pavement as her iconic white beads swirled in the autumn air.

Now, she’s 40. And although the athleticism might have waned, Williams’ desire for “the moment” hasn’t. With a first-round clash against Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic on the docket, that’s a real strength, especially as Williams looks to leave fans with positive memories from her last major competition.

MORE: Watch Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open with fuboTV (free trial)

Can Williams get the victory over Kovinic? Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain: everyone will be watching.

The Sporting News tracked live updates and highlights from the first-round match between Serena Williams and Danka Kovinic at the 2022 US Open. Below are the complete results from Monday’s match.

Serena Williams vs. Danka Kovinic score

Serena Williams vs. Danka Kovinic live updates, highlights from US Open 2022

(All times Eastern)

9:13 p.m.: Serena wins! 6-3, 6-3. Wonderful display by Williams, who appeared to turn back the clock after a few wobbly moments early. She’ll return to the court on Wednesday.

9:12 p.m.: Triple match point for Serena! This could be it!

9:09 p.m.: Serena is cooking with gas! The serve looks fearsome, the movement is fluid and the energy is there. Williams is looking as good as she has in years.

One game away from grabbing a momentous match victory.

9:06 p.m.: Kovinic pulls back to within a game in Set No. 2.

9:02 p.m.: Williams grabs another game! That’s her third straight! Looking like a vintage Williams performance at the moment.

8:59 p.m.: Williams is really starting to pick up the pace in this second set. Notched back-to-back games to snatch the lead back from Kovinic.

8:48 p.m.: Kovinic grabs the game! It was an enthralling affair, full of all sorts of spills and thrills. But Kovinic showed a little more composure late and now leads Set No. 2, 2-1.

8:42 p.m.: Williams breezes past Kovinic to take the second game of the set. That’s how it’s done, Serena.

8:38 p.m.: Kovinic claims her first victory in four games after Williams hits the net with a return for Kovinic’s drop shot.

8:35 p.m.: Wonderful bout of action between Williams and Kovinic. A 15-ball rally that featured a delicate drop shot by Williams and a pair of thunderous Kovinic returns. Kovinic takes the point after fizzing a forehanded shot beyond Williams’ grasp. Williams responds with a clap.

8:29 p.m.: Williams is decked out in some of the best drip money could buy. She’s rocking diamond-encrusted Nikes that perfectly match her bedazzled all-outfit. 

Serena Williams unboxes her Nikes with custom “Queen Mama” and “SW” diamond lace locks ahead of the US Open.

“I’ve never worn better shoes for the Open,” she says. pic.twitter.com/xx1mSyvBDV

— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) August 29, 2022

A dress that is fit for a queen.

8:27 p.m.: Set point for Williams and she flashes that fiery serve! Kovinic not able to handle the heat and Williams takes the first set!

8:17 p.m.: Serena takes yet another game! Kovinic struggling to deal with Williams’ experience at the moment. Serena on the brink of a set victory to start her swan song.

8:11 p.m.: Williams got a 40-15 edge in the sixth game of the set and began to look revitalized. However, a few mistakes allowed Kovinic to get it back to 40-even.

Then, Williams placed a perfect return that danced on the edge of the baseline. Changed the course of the entire game, helping Williams level the set score at 3.

Williams followed that up by taking four straight points to bag a second-straight game shortly thereafter. She seems to be building momentum.

8:01 p.m.: Kovinic takes game 5, as well. She’s really found her form since dropping the first two games, moving around the court rhythmically and taking advantage of Williams’ nerves. 

7:55 p.m.: Kovinic levels the score of the first set at 2. She’s showing a lot of aggression on the baseline and it’s proving effective so far. Williams still looks a little rattled at the moment and Kovinic is capitalizing.

7:50 p.m.: Kovinic takes the third game of the set. Williams’ serve has looked a bit shaky early, but her return has been there so far. Lots of match to go, however.

7:44 p.m.: What a display by Serena so far! Pulled up to the net to deny Kovinic then flashed a strike to take Game No. 2. Williams is looking as good as she has. in some time so far.

7:42 p.m.: Williams with a slick bit of play to knot game two at 40-all. She strut to the right to meet Kovinic’s shot then dropped an impressive shot to freeze her opponent. Moving really fluidly early.

7:37 p.m.: Williams takes the first game of the match. After a few wobbles in the opening frame, Williams got it together, overcoming a 40-15 deficit to take the 1-0 lead.

7:32 p.m.: Serena gets the opening point of the game after Kovinic’s rally goes beyond the backcourt line!

7:23 p.m.: Serena Williams gets a raucous applause as she walks out to center court! Kanye West’s “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” is playing in the background and the atmosphere is electric!

How to watch Serena Williams vs. Danka Kovinic at US Open 2022

• TV channel: ESPN (U.S.) | TSN1 (Canada)
• Live stream: ESPN+, ESPN3, fuboTV

ESPN will provide coverage of the Williams-Kovinic opening-round match. The clash will also be live streamed on ESPN+, ESPN3 and fuboTV, which offers a free trial.

Canadian viewers can watch the match on TSN1 or live stream with TSN.ca and the TSN app.

What time does Serena Williams vs. Danka Kovinic start?

Serena Williams’ match vs. Danka Kovinic is expected to start at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 29.

The match will be played on center court underneath the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. It’s a setting Williams is more than familiar with.

2022 US Open TV schedule