A defiant Serena Williams bid an emotional goodbye to the U.S. Open with a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday, in what may have been the last singles match of her glittering career.

Defeat has always been hard to swallow for the fiercely competitive Williams and no doubt the 7-5 6-7 (4) 6-1 loss to the 46th ranked Australian stung her to her core.

But after a joyous run into the third round there was no shame in a loss to the gritty Tomljanovic, allowing the 23-times Grand Slam winner to exit with dignity intact and head held high.

Her three matches, highlighted by a second-round win over world number two Anett Kontaveit, were a gift to her fans, the relentless never surrender attitude that made her tennis' dominant player for over two decades on display right until the very final point.

"Clearly I'm still capable," Williams told reporters. "But it takes a lot more than that.

"I'm ready to be a mom, explore a different version of Serena.

"Technically in the world I'm still super young, so I want to have a little bit of a life while I'm still walking. I have such a bright future ahead of me."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/biggest-controversies-involving-tennis-legend-serena-williams-510936">Biggest controversies involving tennis legend Serena Williams</a>

Always up for a fight, the 40-year-old came out swinging, forcing Tomljanovic to go the distance. The Australian needed six match points to deliver the knockout punch and bring an end to an engrossing three-plus-hour slugfest.

Williams had signalled her intention to retire in a Vogue article in early August, saying she was "evolving away from tennis" but never confirming the U.S. Open as her final event.

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What a ride it’s been. 
 
Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@serenawilliams</a> <a href="https://t.co/OEURHryJxV">pic.twitter.com/OEURHryJxV</a>
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) <a href="https://twitter.com/usopen/status/1565888136000978944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Given the opportunity to put speculation to rest that the U.S. Open may not be the end, Williams left the door open just a crack.

Asked whether she might be tempted to return to tennis, she responded: “I don’t think so but you never know.”

"I always did love Australia, though," she later told reporters, hinting at a tilt at the Australian Open in January.

For fans, however, the message was clear, the U.S. Open would be where Williams would take her final bow.

The raucous New York crowd that had backed her from the very beginning and over the years, fuelling her runs to six U.S. Open titles, was in her corner once again but could not lift her to one more win.

Tomljanovic, who is yet to win a WTA Tour tournament, appeared to have had little chance against Williams, winner of 73 career titles, but would not be intimidated.

Before stepping out onto center court Tomljanovic paused for a moment and touched the plaque quoting Billie Jean King that hangs at the entrance: “Pressure is a Privilege”.

Despite an electric atmosphere the match got off to a sluggish start with the players trading breaks before settling in. Williams had looked to seize control when she broke Tomljanovic to go ahead 5-3 and serving for the set.

But with Williams two points from a 1-0 lead Tomljanovic dug in, breaking back and sweeping four straight games to steal the set, leaving the stadium stunned.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-a-flawed-genius-but-a-perfectly-humane-human-510946">Serena Williams: A flawed genius but a perfectly humane human</a>

A defiant Williams, as she has done so many times, lifted her game hitting back in ruthless style in the second and breaking the Australian twice on the way to 4-0.

Playing her fourth match in five nights, Williams suddenly seemed to run out of gas and Tomljanovic, showing some steel of her own, pulled level at 5-5 as the set moved to a tie-break.

Everyone inside Arthur Ashe, now on their feet, knew Williams was not going to exit without a fight, and running on fumes dug into her reserves to take the tie-break 7-4.

Williams had the crowd roaring again when she broke Tomljanovic to start the third but simply had nothing left in the tank. The Australian put the former-world number on the ropes, storming through the next four games for a 4-1 lead.

But Williams was not going to hand Tomljanovic the win, she would have to earn it, needing six match points to get the job done.

A defiant Serena Williams bid an emotional goodbye to the U.S. Open with a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday, in what may have been the last singles match of her glittering career.

A defiant Serena Williams bid an emotional goodbye to the U.S. Open with a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday, in what may have been the last singles match of her glittering career. Defeat has always been hard to swallow for the fiercely competitive Williams and no doubt the 7-5 6-7 (4) 6-1 loss to the 46th ranked Australian stung her to her core. But after a joyous run into the third round there was no shame in a loss to the gritty Tomljanovic, allowing the 23-times Grand Slam winner to exit with dignity intact and head held high. Her three matches, highlighted by a second-round win over world number two Anett Kontaveit, were a gift to her fans, the relentless never surrender attitude that made her tennis' dominant player for over two decades on display right until the very final point. "Clearly I'm still capable," Williams told reporters. "But it takes a lot more than that. "I'm ready to be a mom, explore a different version of Serena. "Technically in the world I'm still super young, so I want to have a little bit of a life while I'm still walking. I have such a bright future ahead of me." Also Read: Biggest controversies involving tennis legend Serena Williams Always up for a fight, the 40-year-old came out swinging, forcing Tomljanovic to go the distance. The Australian needed six match points to deliver the knockout punch and bring an end to an engrossing three-plus-hour slugfest. Williams had signalled her intention to retire in a Vogue article in early August, saying she was "evolving away from tennis" but never confirming the U.S. Open as her final event. What a ride it’s been. Thank you, @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/OEURHryJxV — US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022 × Given the opportunity to put speculation to rest that the U.S. Open may not be the end, Williams left the door open just a crack. Asked whether she might be tempted to return to tennis, she responded: “I don’t think so but you never know.” "I always did love Australia, though," she later told reporters, hinting at a tilt at the Australian Open in January. For fans, however, the message was clear, the U.S. Open would be where Williams would take her final bow. The raucous New York crowd that had backed her from the very beginning and over the years, fuelling her runs to six U.S. Open titles, was in her corner once again but could not lift her to one more win. Tomljanovic, who is yet to win a WTA Tour tournament, appeared to have had little chance against Williams, winner of 73 career titles, but would not be intimidated. Before stepping out onto center court Tomljanovic paused for a moment and touched the plaque quoting Billie Jean King that hangs at the entrance: “Pressure is a Privilege”. Despite an electric atmosphere the match got off to a sluggish start with the players trading breaks before settling in. Williams had looked to seize control when she broke Tomljanovic to go ahead 5-3 and serving for the set. But with Williams two points from a 1-0 lead Tomljanovic dug in, breaking back and sweeping four straight games to steal the set, leaving the stadium stunned. Also Read: Serena Williams: A flawed genius but a perfectly humane human A defiant Williams, as she has done so many times, lifted her game hitting back in ruthless style in the second and breaking the Australian twice on the way to 4-0. Playing her fourth match in five nights, Williams suddenly seemed to run out of gas and Tomljanovic, showing some steel of her own, pulled level at 5-5 as the set moved to a tie-break. Everyone inside Arthur Ashe, now on their feet, knew Williams was not going to exit without a fight, and running on fumes dug into her reserves to take the tie-break 7-4. Williams had the crowd roaring again when she broke Tomljanovic to start the third but simply had nothing left in the tank. The Australian put the former-world number on the ropes, storming through the next four games for a 4-1 lead. But Williams was not going to hand Tomljanovic the win, she would have to earn it, needing six match points to get the job done.

US Open 2022: Serena Williams bids emotional farewell after 3rd-round loss against Ajla Tomljanovic

Serena Williams had dropped a major hint about her retirement in an article on Vogue last month. Since then, the tennis fraternity is gearing up to bid farewell to one of the greatest players ever. Serena -- a winner of 23 Grand Slam titles -- faced&nbsp;Danka Kovinic in her opening round match at the US Open 2022 edition on Tuesday (August 30) at the iconic&nbsp;Arthur Ashe Stadium.

As soon as Serena came to the court, she was welcomed by a thunderous response from the spectators who came in large numbers to cheer for her. Even her daughter Olympia was present in the stands and clicked pictures of her mother who made a grand entry infront of her home fans. After easily going past Kovinic -- 6-3, 6-3 -- the American superstar was asked whether the US Open will be her final tournament in her glittering career. Much to the surprise of her fans, Serena said in an on-court interview,&nbsp;"I’m going to stay vague, because you never know."

<section>
"At this point, honestly, everything is a bonus for me, I feel. It’s good that I was able to get this under my belt.... I’m just not even thinking about that. I’m just thinking about this moment. I think it’s good for me just to live in the moment now. Just keep supporting me as long as I’m here," she further asserted.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-serena-williams-makes-grand-entry-during-r1-daughter-olympia-clicks-pictures-of-tennis-star-watch-511405">US Open: Serena Williams makes grand entry during R1, daughter Olympia clicks pictures of tennis star - WATCH</a>

The former world number one added, "I just want people to think how hard one tried and it is so important to give your all no matter what obstacles you face. I have had ups and downs but no matter what you are going through out there, I just want people to be inspired. I am from Compton, California - and I made it."

For now, Serena will be eyeing her 24th Grand Slam title -- which will she her level with Margaret Court (24) with the most-ever titles in singles -- by winning the US Open. If she calls it quits from the sport post the tournament, it will be a fitting end to what has been a sensational and inspiring career.

Will Serena battle her poor form and clinch the title? Only time will tell...
</section>

Serena Williams had dropped a major hint about her retirement in an article on Vogue last month. Since then, the tennis fraternity is gearing up to bid farewell to one of the greatest players ever.

Serena Williams had dropped a major hint about her retirement in an article on Vogue last month. Since then, the tennis fraternity is gearing up to bid farewell to one of the greatest players ever. Serena -- a winner of 23 Grand Slam titles -- faced Danka Kovinic in her opening round match at the US Open 2022 edition on Tuesday (August 30) at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium. As soon as Serena came to the court, she was welcomed by a thunderous response from the spectators who came in large numbers to cheer for her. Even her daughter Olympia was present in the stands and clicked pictures of her mother who made a grand entry infront of her home fans. After easily going past Kovinic -- 6-3, 6-3 -- the American superstar was asked whether the US Open will be her final tournament in her glittering career. Much to the surprise of her fans, Serena said in an on-court interview, "I’m going to stay vague, because you never know." "At this point, honestly, everything is a bonus for me, I feel. It’s good that I was able to get this under my belt.... I’m just not even thinking about that. I’m just thinking about this moment. I think it’s good for me just to live in the moment now. Just keep supporting me as long as I’m here," she further asserted. ALSO READ | US Open: Serena Williams makes grand entry during R1, daughter Olympia clicks pictures of tennis star - WATCH The former world number one added, "I just want people to think how hard one tried and it is so important to give your all no matter what obstacles you face. I have had ups and downs but no matter what you are going through out there, I just want people to be inspired. I am from Compton, California - and I made it." For now, Serena will be eyeing her 24th Grand Slam title -- which will she her level with Margaret Court (24) with the most-ever titles in singles -- by winning the US Open. If she calls it quits from the sport post the tournament, it will be a fitting end to what has been a sensational and inspiring career. Will Serena battle her poor form and clinch the title? Only time will tell...

'Going to stay vague' - Serena Williams opens up on possible retirement after first-round win at US Open 2022

Tennis legend Serena Williams grabbed every eyeball on the tennis court as she debuted an iconic outfit at the last U.S. Open of her career on Monday.&nbsp;The Nike dress was embellished with diamonds and crystals from top to bottom and it looked stunning on Williams. Being one of its kind, the dress soon became the talk of the town for all the right reasons.

Apart from the shoes, Williams also carried a matching jacket and tote bag to complete the look. Her skirt had six layers to commemorate her six singles wins at the U.S. Open throughout her career.

Her NikeCourt Flare 2 shoes featured a diamond-encrusted Swoosh with her initials&nbsp;and solid gold lace deubrés that had 400&nbsp;hand-set diamonds.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Serena Williams will wear a figure skating-inspired Nike dress at the US Open that she designed — made of 6 layers to honor her 6 past titles at Flushing. 
 
Her NikeCourt Flare 2 shoes include a diamond-encrusted Swoosh and solid gold lace deubrés with 400 hand-set diamonds. <a href="https://t.co/9CxtGwQQlU">pic.twitter.com/9CxtGwQQlU</a>
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickDePaula/status/1564290365347098624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Since the sportsperson is planning to retire soon, Nike wanted to make her last few matches special. And, the brand has outdone itself to create this beautiful customized piece.

Nike, in a statement, shared that Williams took a hands-on approach&nbsp;for her 2022 US Open look. She took inspiration from&nbsp;graceful competition dresses worn by figure skaters. And, the results can be seen in the beautiful crystal-encrusted embellished bodice.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VtgR1PMBIH4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/serena-williams-most-iconic-fashion-moments-before-her-retirement-from-tennis-510855">Serena Williams' most iconic fashion moments before her retirement from Tennis</a>

Dressed in this figure-hugging black dress that featured sheer sleeves, Williams defeated Danka Kovinic of Montenegro in the first match of the 2022 U.S. Open. In the second match, she will face&nbsp;No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit.

Tennis legend Serena Williams grabbed every eyeball on the tennis court as she debuted an iconic outfit at the last U.S. Open of her career on Monday. The Nike dress was embellished with diamonds and crystals from top to bottom and it looked stunning on Williams.

Tennis legend Serena Williams grabbed every eyeball on the tennis court as she debuted an iconic outfit at the last U.S. Open of her career on Monday. The Nike dress was embellished with diamonds and crystals from top to bottom and it looked stunning on Williams. Being one of its kind, the dress soon became the talk of the town for all the right reasons. Apart from the shoes, Williams also carried a matching jacket and tote bag to complete the look. Her skirt had six layers to commemorate her six singles wins at the U.S. Open throughout her career. Her NikeCourt Flare 2 shoes featured a diamond-encrusted Swoosh with her initials and solid gold lace deubrés that had 400 hand-set diamonds. Serena Williams will wear a figure skating-inspired Nike dress at the US Open that she designed — made of 6 layers to honor her 6 past titles at Flushing. Her NikeCourt Flare 2 shoes include a diamond-encrusted Swoosh and solid gold lace deubrés with 400 hand-set diamonds. pic.twitter.com/9CxtGwQQlU — Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) August 29, 2022 Since the sportsperson is planning to retire soon, Nike wanted to make her last few matches special. And, the brand has outdone itself to create this beautiful customized piece. Nike, in a statement, shared that Williams took a hands-on approach for her 2022 US Open look. She took inspiration from graceful competition dresses worn by figure skaters. And, the results can be seen in the beautiful crystal-encrusted embellished bodice. Also read: Serena Williams' most iconic fashion moments before her retirement from Tennis Dressed in this figure-hugging black dress that featured sheer sleeves, Williams defeated Danka Kovinic of Montenegro in the first match of the 2022 U.S. Open. In the second match, she will face No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit.

Serena Williams dons gorgeous diamond-encrusted dress, Nike shoes for first round of 2022 US Open

Montenegro's Danka Kovinic will find herself in an unfamiliar place in the tennis spotlight on the sport's biggest stage on Monday playing the part of potential party pooper at Serena Williams's U.S. Open retirement bash.

Since turning professional in 2010, Kovinic has yet to crack the top 40 in the world rankings and is still chasing a maiden WTA Tour title but for a few hours on Monday the 27-year-old will have the attention of the tennis world.

A first round win over Williams and Kovinic will in one match achieve the fame that has overlooked her during an unspectacular 12-year career.&nbsp;

Her name would forever be linked to the 23-times Grand Slam winner widely considered the greatest woman to swing a racket. For a brief moment the 80th ranked Kovinic would go from obscurity to arguably the sport's most famous player.

No matter what Kovinic may achieve later in life, she would find enduring fame as the answer to a sport question on pub quiz nights or Trivia Pursuit: "Who was the last person to beat Serena Williams".

Williams, 40, signalled her intention to retire in a Vogue article in early August, saying she was "evolving away from tennis" but never confirming the U.S. Open as her final event.

The tennis world, however, is preparing a massive retirement party at Flushing Meadows and the hope is the celebrations carry on past opening day at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/she-has-this-legendary-energy-daniil-medvedev-believes-serena-williams-will-be-talked-about-after-100-years-510650">&nbsp;'She has this legendary energy'- Medvedev believes Serena Williams will be talked about after 100 years</a>

Kovinic, an anonymous figure who has spent much of her career grinding away on outside courts, playing qualifiers and minor tournaments, will walk into a seething cauldron.

The match on Arthur Ashe Center Court, the world's largest tennis stadium, will be packed with most of the nearly 25,000 cheering for the tennis icon standing across from her.

Williams will feel different emotions but the surroundings and scene will be familiar as she plays in her 21st U.S. Open, having hoisted the title six times, though not since 2014.

In contrast, Kovinic has won just two matches at Flushing Meadows, beating Serbian Aleksandra Krunic in the opening round in 2015 and Australian Lisette Faith Cabrera in 2020.

If Kovinic is experiencing stage fright she is not showing it, instead choosing to embrace the opportunity by posting on Instagram and Twitter, "WHAT A MOMENT. Looking forward to this".

Having been world number one for 319 weeks, Williams arrives in New York ranked below 600 and unseeded. She now plays sporadically, competing at just three events this season. In fact, since being beaten in the last 16 at Roland Garros in June 2021, she has won only one match.

While few expect Williams to end her career with a fairytale run to a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, fewer still would bet on Kovinic, the aggressive baseliner from Cetinje, to show her the exit.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mama-bear-mode-serena-williams-husband-recalls-how-she-cared-for-her-daughter-ahead-of-2018-french-open-510378">‘Mama bear mode’- Serena Williams’ husband recalls how she cared for her daughter ahead of 2018 French Open</a>

Reigning U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu, one of the few players to have recently taken them on - beating Williams last week in Cincinnati and falling to Kovinic in the second round of the Australian Open - is making no predictions.

"For me facing her (Williams) the other week, I couldn't think about who was on the other side of the court because I knew as soon as I did, my mind would probably start going," said British teenager Raducanu. "It's really, really challenging.

"I'm going to know how Danka feels in that sort of situation. I remember she (Kovinic) was really, really solid, was staying with you, counter-punching. She's happy to run, happy to rally. It's going to be a good match-up, I think."

Montenegro's Danka Kovinic will find herself in an unfamiliar place in the tennis spotlight on the sport's biggest stage on Monday playing the part of potential party pooper at Serena Williams's U.

Montenegro's Danka Kovinic will find herself in an unfamiliar place in the tennis spotlight on the sport's biggest stage on Monday playing the part of potential party pooper at Serena Williams's U.S. Open retirement bash. Since turning professional in 2010, Kovinic has yet to crack the top 40 in the world rankings and is still chasing a maiden WTA Tour title but for a few hours on Monday the 27-year-old will have the attention of the tennis world. A first round win over Williams and Kovinic will in one match achieve the fame that has overlooked her during an unspectacular 12-year career. Her name would forever be linked to the 23-times Grand Slam winner widely considered the greatest woman to swing a racket. For a brief moment the 80th ranked Kovinic would go from obscurity to arguably the sport's most famous player. No matter what Kovinic may achieve later in life, she would find enduring fame as the answer to a sport question on pub quiz nights or Trivia Pursuit: "Who was the last person to beat Serena Williams". Williams, 40, signalled her intention to retire in a Vogue article in early August, saying she was "evolving away from tennis" but never confirming the U.S. Open as her final event. The tennis world, however, is preparing a massive retirement party at Flushing Meadows and the hope is the celebrations carry on past opening day at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center. Also Read: 'She has this legendary energy'- Medvedev believes Serena Williams will be talked about after 100 years Kovinic, an anonymous figure who has spent much of her career grinding away on outside courts, playing qualifiers and minor tournaments, will walk into a seething cauldron. The match on Arthur Ashe Center Court, the world's largest tennis stadium, will be packed with most of the nearly 25,000 cheering for the tennis icon standing across from her. Williams will feel different emotions but the surroundings and scene will be familiar as she plays in her 21st U.S. Open, having hoisted the title six times, though not since 2014. In contrast, Kovinic has won just two matches at Flushing Meadows, beating Serbian Aleksandra Krunic in the opening round in 2015 and Australian Lisette Faith Cabrera in 2020. If Kovinic is experiencing stage fright she is not showing it, instead choosing to embrace the opportunity by posting on Instagram and Twitter, "WHAT A MOMENT. Looking forward to this". Having been world number one for 319 weeks, Williams arrives in New York ranked below 600 and unseeded. She now plays sporadically, competing at just three events this season. In fact, since being beaten in the last 16 at Roland Garros in June 2021, she has won only one match. While few expect Williams to end her career with a fairytale run to a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, fewer still would bet on Kovinic, the aggressive baseliner from Cetinje, to show her the exit. Also Read: ‘Mama bear mode’- Serena Williams’ husband recalls how she cared for her daughter ahead of 2018 French Open Reigning U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu, one of the few players to have recently taken them on - beating Williams last week in Cincinnati and falling to Kovinic in the second round of the Australian Open - is making no predictions. "For me facing her (Williams) the other week, I couldn't think about who was on the other side of the court because I knew as soon as I did, my mind would probably start going," said British teenager Raducanu. "It's really, really challenging. "I'm going to know how Danka feels in that sort of situation. I remember she (Kovinic) was really, really solid, was staying with you, counter-punching. She's happy to run, happy to rally. It's going to be a good match-up, I think."

Danka Kovinic who? Unknown from Montenegro prepares to send Serena Williams into retirement

Serena Williams battled into the quarter-finals of the US Open on Monday as top men's seeds Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev sailed through to the last eight at Flushing Meadows.

After Williams kept her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title alive, second seed Sofia Kenin was sent crashing out in the last 16 by Belgium's Elise Mertens.

Williams had to summon up every last ounce of strength to depose 15th seed Maria Sakkari in three hard-fought sets.

The 38-year-old American needed almost two and a half hours to dislodge her 25-year-old Greek opponent 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 inside an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

"She's such a good competitor. It was a really intense match," said Williams, who had been dumped out of a US Open tuneup tournament by the same opponent last month.

"I felt like she almost played better today. I was a little fatigued last time and had some cramps. Just felt like I was able to compete longer," Williams added.

There was little separating the players throughout the energy-sapping contest, with Williams notching 107 total points to Sakkari's 99.

Williams won 72 percent of points off her first serve while Sakkari won 73 percent. Sakkari also outdid Williams on aces, by 13 to 12.

Williams rallied from two games down in the deciding set, pumping herself up with loud screams that echoed around the spectator-free arena as she broke Sakkari twice to clinch the last-eight spot.&nbsp;

"I'm super passionate. This is my job. This is what I wake up to do. This is what I train to do 365 days of the year," Williams said afterwards.

The American will play Tsvetana Pironkova for a place in the semi-finals after the Bulgarian ousted France's Alize Cornet in another draining three-setter.

<h2>- 'Absolutely unreal' -</h2>

Pironkova, playing her first tournament in three years after a lengthy break in which she gave birth to her son, prevailed 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.

"It's absolutely unreal, I really can't believe it," said Pironkova, whose last tournament appearance before this year's US Open was the 2017 Wimbledon championships when she exited in the second round.

Mertens ousted Kenin, this year's Australian Open champion, 6-3, 6-3 in 1hr 14 mins to set up a last-eight tie with former world number one Victoria Azarenka.

The Belarusian overcame 20th seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in 2hr 30min at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

In the men's draw, second-seeded Thiem raced into the round of eight with a three-set demolition of Canadian rising star Felix Auger-Aliassime.&nbsp;

Thiem dismantled the 20-year-old 15th seed 7-6 (7/4), 6-1, 6-1 in 2hr 7min.

"I played a great match today, the best one from my whole America trip," said Thiem.

He will play Australia's 21st seed Alex de Minaur for a spot in the semi-finals after the Australian breezed past unseeded Canadian Vasek Pospisil 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, 6-2, in 2hr 17 min.

Third seed Medvedev blew away unseeded American France Tiafoe 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 in only 1hr 38 min.

"I'm pleased with the fact that I've won all of these sets and didn't have to stay long on the court. That's always good when you're playing a Grand Slam," said the Russian.

Medvedev will face compatriot Andrey Rublev for a spot in the last four after the 10th seed ousted Italy's sixth seed Matteo Berrettini 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

The men's competition was blown wide open on Sunday after world number one Novak Djokovic was thrown out for accidentally hitting a line judge after smashing a ball in frustration during his last-16 match.

His departure means the US Open will this year produce a first-time Grand Slam winner in the men's competition.

Williams is seeking to equal Margaret Court's record for the most women's Grand Slam singles titles.

A tournament victory at the weekend would also see her break away from Chris Evert, on six titles, as the most decorated US Open champion of the women's game in the modern era.

Serena Williams battled into the quarter-finals of the US Open on Monday as top men's seeds Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev sailed through to the last eight at Flushing Meadows.

Serena Williams battled into the quarter-finals of the US Open on Monday as top men's seeds Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev sailed through to the last eight at Flushing Meadows. After Williams kept her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title alive, second seed Sofia Kenin was sent crashing out in the last 16 by Belgium's Elise Mertens. Williams had to summon up every last ounce of strength to depose 15th seed Maria Sakkari in three hard-fought sets. The 38-year-old American needed almost two and a half hours to dislodge her 25-year-old Greek opponent 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 inside an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. "She's such a good competitor. It was a really intense match," said Williams, who had been dumped out of a US Open tuneup tournament by the same opponent last month. "I felt like she almost played better today. I was a little fatigued last time and had some cramps. Just felt like I was able to compete longer," Williams added. There was little separating the players throughout the energy-sapping contest, with Williams notching 107 total points to Sakkari's 99. Williams won 72 percent of points off her first serve while Sakkari won 73 percent. Sakkari also outdid Williams on aces, by 13 to 12. Williams rallied from two games down in the deciding set, pumping herself up with loud screams that echoed around the spectator-free arena as she broke Sakkari twice to clinch the last-eight spot. "I'm super passionate. This is my job. This is what I wake up to do. This is what I train to do 365 days of the year," Williams said afterwards. The American will play Tsvetana Pironkova for a place in the semi-finals after the Bulgarian ousted France's Alize Cornet in another draining three-setter. - 'Absolutely unreal' - Pironkova, playing her first tournament in three years after a lengthy break in which she gave birth to her son, prevailed 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium. "It's absolutely unreal, I really can't believe it," said Pironkova, whose last tournament appearance before this year's US Open was the 2017 Wimbledon championships when she exited in the second round. Mertens ousted Kenin, this year's Australian Open champion, 6-3, 6-3 in 1hr 14 mins to set up a last-eight tie with former world number one Victoria Azarenka. The Belarusian overcame 20th seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in 2hr 30min at Louis Armstrong Stadium. In the men's draw, second-seeded Thiem raced into the round of eight with a three-set demolition of Canadian rising star Felix Auger-Aliassime. Thiem dismantled the 20-year-old 15th seed 7-6 (7/4), 6-1, 6-1 in 2hr 7min. "I played a great match today, the best one from my whole America trip," said Thiem. He will play Australia's 21st seed Alex de Minaur for a spot in the semi-finals after the Australian breezed past unseeded Canadian Vasek Pospisil 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, 6-2, in 2hr 17 min. Third seed Medvedev blew away unseeded American France Tiafoe 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 in only 1hr 38 min. "I'm pleased with the fact that I've won all of these sets and didn't have to stay long on the court. That's always good when you're playing a Grand Slam," said the Russian. Medvedev will face compatriot Andrey Rublev for a spot in the last four after the 10th seed ousted Italy's sixth seed Matteo Berrettini 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. The men's competition was blown wide open on Sunday after world number one Novak Djokovic was thrown out for accidentally hitting a line judge after smashing a ball in frustration during his last-16 match. His departure means the US Open will this year produce a first-time Grand Slam winner in the men's competition. Williams is seeking to equal Margaret Court's record for the most women's Grand Slam singles titles. A tournament victory at the weekend would also see her break away from Chris Evert, on six titles, as the most decorated US Open champion of the women's game in the modern era.

Serena battles into US Open quarters as Thiem, Medvedev march on