Tennis fans were not ready to see Serena Williams take her last bow on Monday. In the first round of the 2022 U.S. Open, Williams bested Danka Kovinic in two sets (6-3, 6-3) to move on in the tournament and delay her retirement from the sport of tennis.
After entering the arena to an ardent showing from fans and wearing matching outfits with her daughter, Williams was given a post-victory serenade from television host Gayle King! It was a great moment for Williams and fans, especially coming off the high of a strong tournament debut.
Not only that, Billie Jean King also had some inspiring words for Williams too!
“You are fearless. … Thank you for sharing your journey with every single one of us.”@BillieJeanKing showered #SerenaWilliams with love after her first-round win ❤️ pic.twitter.com/K7h47f2jLs
— ESPN (@espn) August 30, 2022
And before the ceremony’s end, U.S. Open fans got to say their piece to Williams with a surprise, turning the arena into a message of love for the tennis star with a heartwarming card stunt!
This was an awesome surprise 👏#ThankYouSerena pic.twitter.com/ADXtg04iPk
— ESPN (@espn) August 30, 2022
Now that’s a picture perfect send off if there ever was one.
