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Serena Williams' farewell tour took on a different complexion as she stunned second seed Anett Kontaveit to reach the third round of the US Open.

This was a sparkling performance from the diamond-clad veteran, who produced her best tennis since reaching the Australian Open semi-finals last January to win 7-6 (7-4) 2-6 6-2.

The dream ending - a record-equalling 24th grand slam singles title in her final tournament - is still a long way away, but this performance showed that it might just be a possibility.

The dream ending - a record-equalling 24th grand slam singles title in her final tournament - is still a long way away, but this performance showed that it might just be a possibility.

That is looking a wise move now, and Williams, who next faces Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic, clearly believes she has more to offer.

"It's no rush here," she said. "I'm loving this crowd. There's still a little left in me. We'll see. I'm a pretty good player, this is what I do best. I love a challenge and I'm rising to the challenge.