Serena Wins Opener At 2014 U.S. Open

32-year-old Serena Williams won her first round match at the 2014 US Open.

By Hayden Roger Celestin

News Americas, FLUSHING, NY, Tues. Aug. 26, 2014: 32-year-old Serena Williams on Tuesday dismissed fellow African American youngster Taylor Townsend, 6-3, 6-1 as she eyed her 18thGrand Slam title.

Under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday, Williams beat Townsend, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago and was playing in her first US Open main draw. She made a splash earlier this year with a confident first-round victory over No. 21 Alize Cornet at the French Open. A former No. 1 junior, Townsend displays a versatile game, including a sharp serve, a willingness to come to net, nice hands on volleys and the ability to hit with immense power and touch, creating sharp angles off both wings.

Taylor Townsend at the U.S. Open on Aug. 26, 2014.