The farewell to Serena Williams has been postponed again: The tennis icon caused a big surprise at the US Open and entered the third round to thunderous applause at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner from the USA won on Thursday night (local time) against world number two Anett Kontaveit from Estonia after a strong performance 7: 6 (7: 4), 2: 6, 6: 2.

The 40-year-old was later asked on the pitch how she did it. "I'm a pretty good player," Williams replied smiling into the microphone: "That's what I do best, I like challenges." In addition, she can play freely. "I have nothing to prove, nothing to lose," said the tennis star.

Nun gegen Tomljanovic

In the next round, the long-standing world number one, who showed much more enthusiasm and self-confidence than in the opening match against Danka Kovinic from Montenegro, meets Australian Ajla Tomljanovic. It is most likely the last Grand Slam tournament for the exceptional athlete.

At the hard court tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where she won her first Grand Slam title in 1999 at the age of 17, Williams still competes in doubles with her sister Venus. Opponents on Thursday are Lucie Hradecka/Linda Noskova from the Czech Republic.

A Williams successor may be growing up in 18-year-old Coco Gauff. The American also advanced to the third round thanks to a two-set win over Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse (6:2, 7:6). Defending champion Daniil Medvedev also showed no weaknesses in the 6: 2, 7: 5, 6: 3 against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech. The Russian now meets qualifier Wu Yibing, who became the first Chinese player to reach the third round at the US Open. Wu prevailed in five sets against the Portuguese Nuno Borges.