The 1999 US Open final was a historic moment in tennis, marking the beginning of Serena Williams’ dominance in the sport. At just 17 years old, Serena faced the formidable Martina Hingis, the world’s No. 1 player at the time. While the match itself was a thrilling encounter, one moment before the first ball was even struck left Hingis visibly shocked—Serena’s defiant move at the coin toss.
As the two players approached the net for the ceremonial coin toss, there was an unspoken tension in the air. Hingis, known for her confidence and mind games, was already considered the favorite. But Serena, exuding a quiet confidence, did something that caught everyone off guard—she refused to look at Hingis during the coin toss. Instead of engaging in the customary pre-match eye contact or a friendly exchange, Serena kept her focus elsewhere, sending a clear message: she was not intimidated.
This seemingly small gesture had a significant psychological impact. Hingis, used to being the dominant figure in her matches, was taken aback. The Swiss star had built a reputation for getting into the heads of her opponents, but Serena, despite being the underdog, was unfazed. The moment set the tone for what was to come—Serena’s relentless power and determination overpowering Hingis’ finesse and strategy.
Once the match began, it became evident that Serena was playing with a level of intensity and belief that could not be shaken. She won the final 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), becoming the first African-American woman to win a Grand Slam singles title in the Open Era. That moment at the coin toss was not just an act of defiance; it was a statement—Serena Williams had arrived, and the world of tennis would never be the same.