Serena Williams saw her US Open dreams shattered in the third round against Ajla Tomljanovic in what was expected to be her final tennis match.
Williams’ performance against Danka Kovinic and Anett Kontaveit gave hope to the tens of thousands of people who flocked to Flushing Meadows in hopes her swan might have a fairytale ending.
However, despite a memorable second-set defeat in a buzzing atmosphere, no 24th Grand Slam singles title will ever equal the record.
The intrepid Tomljanovic needed six match points to land a knockout punch and ended an intriguing match that lasted more than three hours, winning 7-5 6-7 (7-4) 6-1.
The 40-year-old, who played his first professional tennis match in 1995, calmly walked to the net before waving to all sides of Arthur Ashe Stadium during ‘Simply The Best’ play through the speaker.
Speaking to the crowd in tears, Williams said: “Thank you so much, you guys are amazing. I tried. Thank you dad, I know you’re watching. Thank you mom.
“I just want to thank everyone here, they’ve been by my side for so many years, literally, but it all started with my parents and they deserve everything so I’m really grateful. And I wouldn’t be Serena if it weren’t for Venus, so thank you Venus. It was a fun ride.”
Asked if there might be another chapter, Williams added: “I don’t think so, but you never know.”
Williams, who once again won the right after a montage praising her awesomeness, started to get nervous and immediately dropped serve but she quickly regrouped, breaking Tomljanovic back and start to top.
Williams’ moves were sharp and her touchdowns were powerful, and Arthur Ashe was ready to celebrate another set in the pocket as she broke serve again to lead 5-3.
But Williams, who has played very little tennis in the past 18 months, was squeezed at the right time, struggling to find his serve and Tomljanovic won the set with four games in a row.
The 29-year-old is looking to reach the fourth round in New York for the first time, but she is no stranger to her second week of poor performance after reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon.
Of course, the occasion was something completely new and she felt the full extent of Williams’ frustration at letting the first set pass.
With her serve now done, the 40-year-old took a 4-0 lead. Back was Tomljanovic with two games in a row, and the Australian pushed for another break but Williams played deep and roared long and loud as she held on.
But again, she struggled to cross the line, failing to convert four set points in a long eighth game and then giving up her serve as Tomljanovic leveled 5-5. .
At 4-4 in the tie-break, Williams was three points away from the finish line, but she took a deep breath, served an ace and forced a decider.
The passionate crowd rose to their feet, and Williams started the third set flawlessly by once again breaking Tomljanovic’s serve.
It took a lot of work to get here. Obviously I still have the ability. It needs more than that. I’m ready to be a mother, discover another version of Serena.
However, as the game approached the three-hour mark, the physical effort Williams had put in began to pay off and she had little more to offer.
With a score of 5-1, Williams was given a standing ovation first. She continued unequivocally, saving five points on classic fashion matching, but with Friday it was all over.
Tomljanovic, who will play Liudmila Samsonova next, described the moment as “surreal”.
She said: “I feel really sorry just because I loved Serena as much as you do. when I was a kid watching all those finals.”
What will it take you to go back?
Williams teased that she ‘always loved Australia’ during her press conference
Speaking during her press conference, Williams was asked if there was any chance she could continue competing. She replied: “I don’t know. I don’t think about it. I’ve always loved Australia though.
“I’ve come a long way since last year at Wimbledon. Just not sure if it will be my last moment. Turn it into another moment, I think it would be much better.
“It took a lot of work to get here. Obviously I still have potential. It takes more. I’m ready to be a mother, let’s discover another version of Serena.
“Technically in the world, I’m still super young, so I want a little bit of life while I’m still walking.”
How will you join the game?
“For me, tennis has been a very important part of my life, I can’t imagine not being involved in tennis. I don’t know what that involvement is,” Williams said. “But I feel like it has provided me with a lot of opportunities. Through that, it has provided other people with a lot of great opportunities.
“I think it means so much to me in life, and I’ve had so many incredible moments, that I can’t see the future without it. What am I involved in? I don’t know. . I think I’ll be involved in some way or shape.”
What do you hope people will remember?
The 40-year-old said: “There are many things to be remembered. Like the war. I am a warrior.”
“I feel like I’ve really brought something, and brought something to tennis. The different looks, the punches, the crazy intensity. I think it’s clear the passion I think I have. is a really good word.
“Just keep going through the ups and downs. I can go on and on. But honestly I’m grateful that I got this moment and I’m Serena.”
Coco crushes Keys to get the last 16
Coco Gauff dominated fellow American Madison Keys to reach the US Open 4th round for the first time
Coco Gauff proved too strong for veterans finalist Madison Keys in their all-American showdown, racing to win 6-2 6-3 in just over an hour.
The 18-year-old Gauff, who was once again invited to heat up the Arthur Ashe Stadium for Serena Williams ahead of his country’s much-anticipated night game, is now in his second week in all four Grand Slams.
The French Open finalist, who improved to 11-3 at this year’s majors, said she is honored to open for Williams at Flushing Meadows for the third time and will be glued to the match again. fight of his idol.
“It was amazing. I didn’t miss it,” Gauff said.
“Even the day when I watched it on TV, I had to order room service. I know she’s on my side and I don’t know when I can face her but that’s the goal.”
Gauff will be the most popular character when she takes on the role of China Zhang Shuai on Sunday.
Tunisian number 5 seed Ons Jabeur Surviving a thrilling showdown to knock home hopes of Shelby Rogers 4-6 6-4 6-3.
“Crazy match,” Jabeur said. “Even taking down 5-1, she loves 40 didn’t make the task easy for me. I’m glad I kept fighting and going to the end.”
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