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US Open 2013: Tournament commences today – Serena Williams a clear favorite
Serena Williams with the US Open trophy, September 9, 2012. PHOTO/Timothy Clary/Getty Images
World no. 1 Serena Williams will begin defense of her U.S. Open title today, the first day of play in the final tennis major of 2013.
The women’s singles final is September 8; the men’s singles final is September 9. According to the U.S. Tennis Association, it’s the first time since 1954 that the tournament is scheduled to end on a Monday. Each of the past five years, rain pushed the men’s final from Sunday to Monday.
Serena Williams will be playing against Francesca Schiavone while her sister Venus, will play day’s second match at the main venue, Arthur Ashe Stadium. Serena is schedule to begin her match at 7 p.m. EDT.
Serena Williams is the US Open four-time women’s singles champion. Her titles came in 1999, 2002, 2008, and 2012. This year, she is the favorite.
Williams says she is feeling great heading into the tournament. She believes winning and enjoyment of the game are the keys to playing quality tennis. “My motivation just comes from different places and different areas,” Williams said on Saturday.
“I love to play tennis and I love winning and I think that is a good motivation; the fact that if I am doing well and winning then I want to keep it up and keep improving.
“If I lose the motivation is completely opposite and I want to figure out what I can do better if I can do better.”
