NEW YORK — Every time Serena Williams wobbled, the crowd willed her its strength to steady her.
Every time she double-faulted, fans applauded to console and encourage her. With each point she won from Danka Kovinic of Montenegro on Monday, roars cascaded down from the upper reaches of jam-packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. No one wanted this emotionally charged moment, this U.S. Open first-round match, Williams’ groundbreaking career, to end.
Asked about the crowd, Williams said: “They really helped me pull through. I was really pumped. I was like, ‘I got this.’ ”
