It certainly seems that Serena Williams’ illustrious tennis career has come to an end after nearly three decades as a pro.
The 40-year-old tennis GOAT lost in an incredible three-set third-round match of the U.S. Open on Friday to Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia, 7-6, 6-7 (7-4), 6-1. It lasted for more than three hours and delivered some of the best tennis we’ve seen all week.
And she left fans in the crowd and watching at home with a touching and tearful message after what’s expected to be her final tournament.
With the crowd roaring behind her and Tina Turner’s The Best playing at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Williams fought through her emotions to thank her family, particularly her parents and, of course, older sister Venus Williams, who’s a legend in her own right.
A speech worth of the 🐐@serenawilliams | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/0twItGF0jq
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022
On the court, the 23-time Grand Slam champion said:
“Oh my god, thank you so much! You guys were amazing today. I tried but Ajla just played a little bit better. Thank you, Daddy. I know you’re watching. Thanks, Mom. Oh my god. I just thank everyone that’s here that’s been on my side so many years, decades, oh my gosh, literally decades. But it all started with my parents, and they deserve everything. So I’m really grateful for them.
Oh my god, these are happy tears! I guess, I don’t know. And I wouldn’t be Serena if there wasn’t Venus, so thank you, Venus! She’s the only reason Serena Williams ever existed.”
"I wouldn't be Serena if there wasn't Venus."@serenawilliams 💙 @Venuseswilliams pic.twitter.com/C7RZXcf23E
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022
Is it dusty in here, or is it just us?
If this is Serena’s final performance on the court, it was a tremendously memorable one with a touching farewell from the best there ever was.
Serena waves to the crowd as she leaves the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium 👋 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/yREFGYpYrs
— ESPN (@espn) September 3, 2022
What a career.
