The Serena Williams The era is over – at least for now.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion played what was expected to be her final professional tennis match on Friday at the US Open. She lost in the third round against Ajla Tomljanovic 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1 in a thrilling love affair. Williams took five match points before losing and receiving a proper acclaim from the crowd late in the game
In August, Williams announced in a first-person essay for Vogue that her tennis career was going downhill, saying that this year’s US Open would probably be her last. In this part, she talks about her desire to grow her family as a reason for her “evolution“Williams was very emotional during her post-match interview.
“It was a fun ride,” Williams said. “It was the most incredible ride and journey I’ve ever been on.”
When asked if she’s reconsidering her “evolution,” Williams replied: “I don’t think so but you never know.”
If Friday’s match is indeed Williams’ last, she will end her tennis career as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Her 23 Grand Slam titles mentioned above is the most of any player in the Open era (since 1968) and she is trailed only by Margaret Court (24) most of the time. Williams’ dominance on the court has inspired the next generation of women’s tennis stars, including Phenom 18 years old Coco Gauff.
With potentially Williams’ last game in the books, some players have congratulated her on a solid Hall of Fame career.
Her incredible career left a mark in tennis history.
And her biggest contributions may yet to come.
Thank you, @Serena Williams.
Your journey continues. #serena #US Open https://t.co/0wDFfRN3Dq
– Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 3, 2022
Serena, THANK YOU. It’s because my friend believes in this dream. Your impact on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT! pic.twitter.com/qeNZlC05WJ
– Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) September 3, 2022
I don’t think anyone has enough words #ThankYouSerena
– Samantha Crawford (@samcrawford18) September 3, 2022
Serena
– Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) September 3, 2022
Simple, #Serena
GRACIAS#US Open pic.twitter.com/T3PuHukJPw
– Nadia Podoroska (@nadiapodoroska) September 3, 2022
Serena ❤️
– Lisa Raymond (@lisaraymond73) September 3, 2022
GOAT ❤️ @Serena Williams pic.twitter.com/2oLm8sZ58Y
– Vicky Duval (@vicky_duval95) September 3, 2022
I love you @Serena Williams It’s the joy of a lifetime watching you become what you are. Can’t wait to see what you do next. Thank you my old friend
– andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 3, 2022
It’s been an honor to watch Serena as a child, play with the Fed Cup team at 17, compete with her on the biggest stage of our sport (and bring Beyoncé and Jay-Z to watch it). me), and when I ended her career years after me. pic.twitter.com/4qoPKSnUBn
– King Vania (@queen_v21) September 3, 2022
Celebrate @Serena Williams
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: pic.twitter.com/KbaGzZTxqP– #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) September 3, 2022
Merci, @Serena Williams
There will never be another Queen#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/0UCTFLHv5J
– Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 3, 2022
A player like no other, a career like no other, a story like no other.
Thank you, Serena@Serena Williams | #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/h6XDl8cRgQ
– Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) September 3, 2022
Other stars like Chief of Kansas City midfielder Patrick Mahomes, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant and many others also gave flowers to Williams on social networks.
Thank you! #Serena 🐐🐐🐐
– Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) September 3, 2022
Congratulations on a great career, @Serena Williams!
How fortunate we were to have watched a young girl from Compton grow up and become one of the greatest athletes of all time.
I’m proud of you, my friend – and I can’t wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents. pic.twitter.com/VWONEMAwz3
– Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 3, 2022
.@Serena Williams You are truly the greatest on and off the field. Thank you for inspiring us all to follow our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!
– Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 3, 2022
#Serena Williams THANK YOU 🐐!! You are damn DOPE!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🤎 https://t.co/5tSbzz7UHw
– LeBron James (@KingJames) September 3, 2022
25 years. Champion. Shero. Legend forever! @Serena Williams #US Open pic.twitter.com/xdo4dy4fpP
– Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 3, 2022
serena
– Ja Morant (@JaMorant) September 3, 2022
Congratulations, Serena on an inspiring career! Cookie & I am very excited for you. I remember when we talked about being an entrepreneur. Now, I look forward to seeing you grow in business! @Serena Williams #Serena
– Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 3, 2022
It was a pleasure to watch the greatness! Congratulations Serena!
– Derek Jeter (@derekjeter) September 3, 2022
I’m so grateful for @Serena Williams. What she gave to this sport and we will never lose to me. #ThankYouSerena
– Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix) September 3, 2022
Serena
– Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) September 3, 2022
I was in my crib screaming LOUD AF for Serena!!!!!!!!! I’m sick right now🤧
Thank you Legend🙏🏽💯– Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) September 3, 2022
THANK @Serena Williams!!! 🐐🐐🐐 #Serena
– Chris Paul (@ CP3) September 3, 2022
GENUINE THIS HOPE IS THE LAST SERENA MAT I EVER WATCH !!!! WE LOVE YOU QUEEN #GOAT
– Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) September 3, 2022
Best regards, Serena the GOAT! Fight with a lot of hearts. Something to be proud of!!! Enjoy Retirement Champ
– Calais Campbell (@CalaisCampbell) September 3, 2022
Serena always fights to the very end. You have given so much to tennis and so much to women’s sports. Thank you @Serena Williams
– Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) September 3, 2022
Thank you @Serena Williams!! You made me jump out of my chair and scream “come on!!” too many times to count !! Grace, courage, poise, strength.. you’ve got all women!! Thank you for always being YOU!!
– Becky Hammon (@BeckyHammon) September 3, 2022
– Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) September 3, 2022
Thank you, Serena!
– Hurricane Seattle (@seattlestorm) September 3, 2022
Greatest thing ever done.
Thank you, @Serena Williams ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lZ6OezBoGu
– ESPN (@espn) September 3, 2022
