Serena Williams Beats Kristie Ahn, Sets US Open Record with 102 Singles Wins

Serena Williams breezed through her first round matchup at the U.S. Open, defeating fellow American Kristie Ahn in straight sets (7-5, 6-3) Tuesday evening.

It was Williams' 102nd victory at the U.S. Open, setting a record for both men and women. 

The No. 3 seed will face Margarita Gasparyan in the second round. 

"I was really happy with how I fought for every point," Williams said on the court afterwards. "I just needed to get my Serena-focus back.

Williams hadn't won a match in straight sets since February, which she jokingly likened to back in the '90s for how long it had been. On Tuesday, it may as well have been. Williams frustrated her opponent with 12 aces while winning 85 percent on the first serve. 

After falling down 2-0 to start of the second set, Williams bounced back to win six of the next seven games and finish off the sweep in front of a nearly-empty stadium.

The U.S. Open is being held without fans in attendance this year due to the coronavirus, but a number of current competitors—as well as Williams husband, Alexis Ohanian—were able to watch Williams work inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The absence of spectators didn't seem to bother her much as Williams instead kept her focus on winning her ninth U.S. Open title. 

"It's quiet, but it's such a big stadium and there's the screens and the atmosphere and it's a Grand Slam," Williams said. "I'm still as passionate and intense out there."