However, there were several moments that could have gone either way in the decider but with the vocal New York crowd behind her, she came up big, displaying the type of form most fans were accustomed to seeing during her younger years.

Huge roar as Serena clinches first set

Williams had played only one three-set match this season, falling to Harmony Tan at Wimbledon in the first round after returning from a one-year absence.

She hit serves at up to 190km/h, stayed with Kontaveit during lengthy exchanges of big swings from the baselines and conjured up some of her trademark brilliance at the right time.

“I’m not in any rush here (to leave),” Williams said during her on-court interview.

“I’m loving this crowd, and there’s still a little left in me. We’ll see.

“This is what I do best, I haven’t played many matches but I have been practicing really well.

When asked whether she was surprised at her play this week, Williams replied: “I’m just Serena, you know?

“I’m just looking at it as a bonus, I have nothing to prove … I have nothing to lose.

“I haven’t been able to play like this since 1998, I’ve had an X on my back since 1999.

Watch the US Open live and free on 9Now and every point from every match ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.

After pulling out a tight first set, then faltering a bit in the second, Williams headed to the locker room for a bit of a break before the third.

Something had to give, someone had to blink.

When they resumed, it was Williams who lifted her level and emerged as the better player, taking two match points to finish off the job.

Just as she’s done, so many times on so many stages, with so much at stake.

The six-time champion at Flushing Meadows will play Saturday AEST for a spot in the fourth round.

Her opponent will be Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic, who defeated Evgeniya Rodina 1-6, 6-2, 7-5.

Tomljanović broke the 11th game of the deciding set to set up victory in two and a half hours.

Earlier, pundits were quick to criticise tournament organisers for their repeat decision to introduce Williams’ opponent, Kontaveit, and then make her wait courtside while a montage of Williams’ career played.

Ahead of both Williams’ first and second-round matches her opponents were introduced to the screaming crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium before a video message honouring Williams was displayed on the big screen.

The 23-time grand slam winner previously announced that this tournament would likely be her last, facilitating a farewell tour alongside her campaign at Flushing Meadows.

With the video two minutes in duration, many have raised the psychological effect the montage could have on the focus, preparation and performance of Williams’ challengers, including Kontaveit.

Slipping to world No.413 after playing limited matches, The Times’ tennis correspondent Stuart Fraser suggested Williams be announced and celebrated before her higher-ranked opponent even starts their journey down the race.

With AP

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