Serena Williams dominates the U.S. Open in her farewell tournament

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At Flushing Meadows, Williams beat Montenegrin Danka Kovinic 6-3, 6-3 to begin her farewell tour.

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In the second round, she will face Estonia's Anett Kontaveit, the No. 2

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Serena Williams defeated Danka Kovinic in the opening round of the U.S.

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Open on Monday night, and CBS journalist Gayle King hosted a special tribute to Williams at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

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"Today just felt different," King said, acknowledging that it could have been Williams' final match at the tournament if she had lost.

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Gayle King is at the microphone with Williams.

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According to Williams, she felt the crowd's support tonight, which helped her.

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"I try my best to do the best that I can," Williams said. Williams said retiring was a difficult decision.

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In my experience, walking away has always been hard, and sometimes I think it has been harder than not.

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