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Fighting at 40: Older fans take heart in Serena’s success

FILE - Fans cheer for Serena Williams, of the United States, during her match against Anett Kontaveit, of Estonia, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament Aug. 31, 2022, in New York. Watching 40-year-old Williams defeat the world’s second-ranked player and advance to the third round of the tournament has inspired many older tennis fans. They say her success sends a message that they too can perform better and longer through fitness, practice and grit. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) FILE - Billie Jean King, left, meets with Serena Williams, of the United States, after Williams defeated Danka Kovinic, of Montenegro, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament Aug. 29, 2022, in New York. Pioneering player King, now 78, said Williams gives older fans and players hope and “a pep in their step.” Williams, who plays again on Friday, has hinted that this Open is her last major tournament. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) FILE - Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, right, cheer on the competition during Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, the kick off to the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Aug. 24, 2013, in New York. Some older fans in particular — middle-aged, or beyond — said they saw in Williams’ latest run at the 2022 U.S. Open a very human and relatable takeaway. Namely the idea that they, also, could perform better and longer than they once thought possible — through fitness, practice and grit. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)