After nearly three decades in professional tennis, along with 23 Grand Slam trophies and 73 singles titles, Serena Williams’ tennis career is over, as she’s said the U.S. Open would be her last tournament.
Williams advanced to the third round of the tournament she’s won six times and took on Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday night. After a more than three-hour grueling match, Tomljanovic topped Williams in three sets, presumably ending the GOAT’s incredible career.
Although Williams wasn’t quite playing at the same level as her first two tournament matches, she didn’t go down without a fight, of course. It was a thrilling match, and although she lost, it was a memorable final appearance at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
WOW.@serenawilliams | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/SQvVnj4vNU
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022
The tributes, thank-yous and messages of love for Williams poured in after the match ended, including one from former First Lady Michelle Obama:
Congrats on an amazing career, @SerenaWilliams!
How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to 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
But she certainly wasn’t alone.
After the match, some of the biggest sports stars showered Serena with praise and love
Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and for that I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT! pic.twitter.com/qeNZlC05WJ
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) September 3, 2022
Her incredible career made its mark on tennis history.
And yet her greatest contributions may be yet to come.
Thank you, @serenawilliams.
Your journey continues. #serena #USOpen https://t.co/0wDFfRN3Dq
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 3, 2022
#SerenaWilliams THANK YOU 🐐!! You’re so damn DOPE!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🤎 https://t.co/5tSbzz7UHw
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 3, 2022
.@serenawilliams you’re literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 3, 2022
I’m so grateful for @serenawilliams. What she has given this sport and us will never be lost on me. #ThankYouSerena
— Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix) September 3, 2022
thank you @serenawilliams for transcending sports for black athletes, female athletes and every athlete🤍
such a pleasure to watch, thanks for being an inspiration
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) September 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/andyroddick/status/1565891953945894912
The goat @serenawilliams ❤️ thank you Serena ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VKLUynps6b
— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) September 3, 2022
Thank you @serenawilliams thank you! You are the goat of all goats. You came. You’re leaving. Tennis and the world are both changed because of your impact. #simplythebest
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) September 3, 2022
We just witnessed the last US Open for the greatest of all time, Serena Williams!! Serena has meant so much to sports, the game of tennis, the world, every little girl, and even more to every little Black girl across the globe. @serenawilliams #ThankYouSerena
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 3, 2022
Thank you! #Serena 🐐🐐🐐
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) September 3, 2022
It’s been a joy watching greatness! Congrats Serena!
— Derek Jeter (@derekjeter) September 3, 2022
Serena thank you. From a little black girl that grew up playing tennis, it was YOU who made me feel comfortable in the sport. #Hero
— Diamond DeShields (@diamonddoesit1) September 3, 2022
THANK YOU @serenawilliams!!! 🐐🐐🐐 #Serena
— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 3, 2022
.@serenawilliams, you paved a path beyond what anyone could have imagined. Your legacy will live through the women you inspired for years to come. Cheers to an incredible career. https://t.co/VIDtldD5h5
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) September 3, 2022
Thank you @serenawilliams 👑
For just showing up and being YOU. You have changed the Face of the game and now young people of color can dream even bigger! ✨
Thank you🙏🏾🙌🏾— Crystal Dunn | Soubrier | (@Cdunn19) September 3, 2022
Serena fighting until the last point, always. You've given so much to tennis, and so much to womens sports. Thank you @serenawilliams
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) September 3, 2022
@serenawilliams you are a warrior! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
— Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) September 3, 2022
Greatest of all time @serenawilliams! You will be missed. 🐐 #serena #USOpen2022
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) September 3, 2022
The greatest to ever do it.
Thank you, @serenawilliams ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lZ6OezBoGu
— ESPN (@espn) September 3, 2022
Words cannot describe what #Serena has meant to us all. pic.twitter.com/a4YvBgNhOL
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022
Thank you, Serena 👋 💙 ♾ pic.twitter.com/e41cbU1V0C
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) September 3, 2022
A player like no other, a career like no other, a story like no other.
Thank you, Serena 👑@serenawilliams | #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/h6XDl8cRgQ
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) September 3, 2022
Merci, @serenawilliams
There will never be another Queen 🏆#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/0UCTFLHv5J
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 3, 2022
