Serena’s US Open farewell elicits reactions from numerous celebrities
Serena Williams thanks her parents, her sisters and millions of fans in an emotional farewell interview at the US Open. (3:10)
The Serena Williams era has come to an end — at least for now.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion played what is 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 affair. Williams staved off five match points before eventually losing and received a fitting ovation from the crowd at the end
In August, Williams announced in a first-person essay for Vogue magazine that her tennis career was winding down, saying this year’s US Open would probably be her final tournament. In the piece, she spoke about her desire to grow her family as a reason for her “evolution.” Williams was visibly emotional during her postmatch interview.
“It’s been a fun ride”, Williams said. “It’s been the most incredible ride and journey I’ve ever been on.”
When asked if she would reconsider her “evolution,” Williams responded, “I don’t think so but you never know.”
Stream live sports and original content on ESPN+. Sign up today
If Friday’s match was indeed Williams’ last match, she ends her tennis career as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Her aforementioned 23 Grand Slam titles are the most by any player in the Open era (since 1968) and she trails only Margaret Court (24) for most of all time. Williams’ on-court dominance has inspired the next generation of stars in women’s tennis, including 18-year-old phenom Coco Gauff.
With Williams’ likely final match in the books, several players congratulated her on a surefire Hall of Fame career.
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
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
I don’t think anyone has enough words #ThankYouSerena
Serena 💕
Simplemente, #Serena
GRACIAS 🙏#USOpen pic.twitter.com/T3PuHukJPw
Serena ❤️
GOAT ❤️ @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/2oLm8sZ58Y
I love you @serenawilliams It’s been the pleasure of a lifetime to watch you become what you have. Can’t wait to see what you do next. Thank you my old friend
It has been an honor to watch Serena as a child, to play on the same Fed Cup team as a 17 year old, to compete against her on the biggest stage of our sport (and bring Beyoncé and Jay-Z to watch me), and as 🐐 do, finish her career years after mine. pic.twitter.com/4qoPKSnUBn
Celebrating @serenawilliams 🙌
🇦🇺: 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🇫🇷: 🏆🏆🏆
🇬🇧: 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🇺🇸: 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/KbaGzZTxqP
Merci, @serenawilliams
There will never be another Queen 🏆#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/0UCTFLHv5J
A player like no other, a career like no other, a story like no other.
Thank you, Serena 👑@serenawilliams | #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/h6XDl8cRgQ
Other stars like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant and more also gave Williams her flowers on social media.
Thank you! #Serena 🐐🐐🐐
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
.@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!!!!!!
#SerenaWilliams THANK YOU 🐐!! You’re so damn DOPE!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🤎 https://t.co/5tSbzz7UHw
25 years. Champion. Shero. Legend forever! @serenawilliams #USOpen pic.twitter.com/xdo4dy4fpP
serena 💐💐💐💐🐐🐐🐐🐐
Congratulations, Serena for an inspiring career! Cookie & I are so excited for you. I remember when we talked about you becoming an entrepreneur. Now, I look forward to watching you grow in business! @serenawilliams #Serena
It’s been a joy watching greatness! Congrats Serena!
I’m so grateful for @serenawilliams. What she has given this sport and us will never be lost on me. #ThankYouSerena
Serena 🐐
I’ve been in my crib screaming LOUD AF for Serena!!!!!!! Im sick right now🤧
thanks Legend🙏🏽💯
THANK YOU @serenawilliams!!! 🐐🐐🐐 #Serena
HIGH KEY HOPE THIS AINT THE LAST SERENA MATCH I EVER SEE AGAIN !!!! WE LOVE YOU QUEEN #GOAT
Much respect to Serena the GOAT! Fought with a lot of heart. Something to be proud of!!! Enjoy retirement Champ ✊🏾
Serena fighting until the last point, always. You’ve given so much to tennis, and so much to womens sports. Thank you @serenawilliams
Thank you @serenawilliams!! You’ve had me jumping off my couch and yelling “come on!!” too many times to count!! Grace, courage, poise, strength.. you got it all woman!! Thank you for always being YOU!!
Thank you, Serena! 🐐
The greatest to ever do it.
Thank you, @serenawilliams ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lZ6OezBoGu