Bettors banking on Serena Williams to beat Ajla Tomljanovic, win U.S. Open

Tennis living legend Serena Williams was always going to be a heavy fan-favorite at the U.S. Open even before she suggested last month that she could retire to focus on family life and other interests as soon as she plays her final match in New York, whenever that may be. 

That was before she defeated Danka Kovinic in straight sets and then toppled No. 2-ranked Anett Kontaveit 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-2 to set up a matchup against Australian and world No. 46 Ajla Tomljanovic that will take place on Friday evening. 

Williams' journey has become more than just a charming story as she looks to equal Margaret Court's all-time career Grand Slam singles title record of 24. 

ESPN's David Purdum reported on Friday afternoon that PointsBet claimed 90% of the bets and 95% of the money wagered on Friday's anticipated match were on Williams. Additionally, Caesars Sportsbook says that the 40-year-old's odds of winning the entire U.S. Open have improved from 50-1 to 14-1 coming off her last two performances. 

"Everybody is getting excited for Serena, and for good reason," Caesars Sportsbook assistant director of trading Adam Pullen said in a release shared by ESPN. "She has a winnable match coming up next, so the more she progresses, the more interest there will be betting-wise."

Another thing Williams has in her favor is the fact that she's essentially guaranteed to have a "home-court advantage" over any opponent throughout the rest of the competition. Some may view that as controversial considering the typical nature of the sport, but it's difficult to imagine crowds will start sitting on their hands now that Williams is even closer to making history and tying Court.