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Serena Williams caught up in 'disgusting' scenes at US Open

Serena Williams (pictured right) during her on-court US Open interview and (pictured left) Serena Williams serving.
Viewers called out the crowd during the Serena Williams (pictured right) US Open match for cheering on her opponent's double faults. (Getty Images)

The tennis world has reacted with disdain for the US Open crowd attending the Serena Williams match after many boisterously cheered on double faults from Danka Kovinic.

Williams took to Arthur Ashe Stadium to a huge applause as she started the final grand slam tournament of her glittering career.

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The tennis icon even sported a stunning diamond-encrusted outfit for her final appearance in New York.

Williams was inspired by the raucous home crowd as she defeated a nervy Kovinic 6-3, 6-3 to extend her farewell grand slam tournament for at least one more match.

However, the vociferous home support for Williams may have crossed the line after viewers called out fans cheering every Kovinic double fault.

Both Williams and Kovinic were nervous in an electric atmosphere.

The American support cheered every Williams point in the one hour and 39 minute battle.

And during the contest, Kovinic served eight double faults.

Crowds often avoid cheering after a player's double fault, which is seen at tennis etiquette.

However, the American support cheered Kovinic's mistakes in an effort to will Williams over the line.

This prompted an angry response from some viewers watching the historic match.

While others defended the behaviour due to the special circumstances surrounding the spectacle.

Serena Williams wins first round US Open match

Regardless, Williams marched on to the second round to continue her farewell tour.

The American champion was simply introduced as the 'greatest of all time' during her walkout to face Kovinic on Arthur Ashe Stadium in front of a raucous home crowd.

Despite her struggles of late, Williams started the match like a player possessed as she drew on the energy of the home crowd to race out to a 2-0 lead.

However, the 40-year-old's serve began to desert her as Kovinić grabbed her first break of the match to get back into the contest.

Serena Williams  (pictured) interviewed by Gayle King at the US Open.
Serena Williams' (pictured) career was celebrated after her first round singles win at the US Open. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

A double fault from Williams handed the World No.80 her second break as the Montenegrin turned an early deficit into a 3-2 lead.

Williams never looked back as she won the first set and broke early in the second to put her first round match behind her.

Williams will now face World No.2 Anett Kontaveit in the second round encounter.

She also has her first round doubles match, with sister Venus Williams, to play.

with AAP

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