Serena Williams crashes out of the US Open – in what may be final singles campaign of her career | US News
Serena Williams has been knocked out of the US Open, in what could be the last singles campaign of her career.
The 40-year-old recently announced her retirement plans, claiming she is “growing away from tennis” and looking to “grow her family”.
Williams went into the third round after defeating second seed Anett Kontaveit, but she was knocked out Friday night by 46th-ranked Ajla Tomljanovic 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1.
Photo :: Robert Deutsch-USA Sports TODAY
The loss stripped Williams of a record 24th Grand slam singles title.
Tomljanovic said afterwards: “I really feel sorry because I love Serena as much as you do.
“What she has done for the sport of tennis is unbelievable.
“I never thought I’d get the chance to play her in her last game when I was a kid watching all those finals.”
Williams, who played her first professional tennis match in 1995 at the age of 14, calmly walked to the net after the match, waving to all sides of the stadium while Tina Turner’s hit Simply The Best was played. play through the speaker.
Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA Sports TODAY
Addressing the crowd with tears in her eyes, she said: “Thank you so much, you guys were amazing today.
“I tried. Ajla just got a little bit better.
“Thanks dad, I know you’re watching. Thank you mom.
“I just want to thank everyone who’s been here, that’s been by my side for so many years, literally decades.
“But it all started with my parents and they deserved everything, so I’m really grateful to them.
Serena (right) at 13 with her sister Venus, 14, in 1994. Venus turned professional 4 days later and Serena followed a year later. Photo: AP
“And I wouldn’t be Serena without Venus, so thank you Venus. She’s the only reason Serena Williams ever existed.”
Asked if there could be another chapter, Williams added: “I mean I’m really playing my way and getting better.
“I should have started earlier this year.
“I don’t think so, but you never know. I don’t know.”
