Serena Williamsā run in the US Open reached its end, losing to Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday night.
Ever since announcing that she would be āevolving away from tennis,ā the sports world has followed Serena Williamsā run in the US Open. The 23-time grand slam winner defeated Danka Kovinic in two straight sets in the opening round, and pulled off an upset win over second-ranked Anett Kontaveit in the second round.
On Friday, Sept. 2, Williamsā magical run in the US Open reached its end. 46th-ranked Ajla Tomljanovic defeated Williams 7-5, 6-7, 6-1 in a three-hour battle. Williams put up a battle even though she was down 5-1 in the third set, but ultimately Tomljanovic was able to close it out.
Serena Williams speaks on retirement
After competing in her longest match at the US Open (per the ESPN broadcast), Williams spoke to the audience at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and to everyone watching at home. Williams thanked her older sister, Venus, saying āI wouldnāt be Serena if it wasnāt for Venus.ā
When asked if she would consider returning to tennis, Williams said āI donāt think so, but you never know.ā
Serena said āI donāt think so but you never knowā on playing again š³š³š„¹š„¹š„¹
ā Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) September 3, 2022
Twitter reacts to Serena Williamsā US Open run ending
Viewers were captivated throughout Williamsā match against Tomljanovic. From an epic tiebreaker win in the second set, to Williams holding on down 5-1 in the third, those watching shared their thoughts on Twitter.
Then, when Williamsā run officially ended, those around the sports world said thank you to Williams for a legendary career.
Thank you! #Serena ššš
ā Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) September 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/jamorant/status/1565888320223297537?s=21&t=ZQF2TDMLhRUoWI47Mcll7g
To the goat of the tennis courts, @serenawilliams you own that world. Wishing you just as much success in your retirement.
ā Bo Jackson (@BoJackson) September 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/usopen/status/1565888136000978944
@serenawilliams you are a warrior! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
ā Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) September 3, 2022
Thank you, #Serena. pic.twitter.com/uOoxOZomd8
ā Be A King (@BerniceKing) September 3, 2022
What a champion.
ā Rich Eisen (@richeisen) September 3, 2022
Thank you @serenawilliams
Serena Williams. Thatās the tweet.
ā Daniel Yanofsky (@DanYanofsky) September 3, 2022
Thereās nothing like a night crowd at the US Open, especially under these circumstances. This is electric.
ā Gene Morris (@GeneMorris) September 3, 2022
watching tennis right now is so unifying, basically everyone paying attention around the world wants the same thing: a ballboy to get hit in the groin
ā ISIS, LEBRON JAMES, SHINZO ABE BLOWN AWAY (@pdlmma) September 3, 2022
Go Serena Go you go girl Mr October rootin hard for ya
ā Reggie Jackson (@mroctober) September 3, 2022
Serena giving me chills from NYC!! LFGOOOOOOO!!!
ā Becky Hammon (@BeckyHammon) September 3, 2022
I want to go over to Serenaās mom like#usopen pic.twitter.com/S0rcWCzxKR
ā philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 3, 2022
I am surrounded by people who have no idea who Serena Williams is and what sheās doing and I feel like I am going to explode
ā Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) September 3, 2022
Serena: started with beads
ā WTA Tea (@WTATea) August 29, 2022
ended with diamonds pic.twitter.com/QO1uprD3Wv
Serena Williams is the greatest athlete of all time.
ā J. Perkins (@JohnathanPerk) September 3, 2022
Serena momma is ready to go home! #usopen pic.twitter.com/CKHH1tdNAm
ā philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 3, 2022
Ajla and Serena got Saquon really into this match. šØ
ā theScore (@theScore) September 3, 2022
(š„: @usopen)pic.twitter.com/7X4wrXWOO6
With her win over Williams, Tomljanovic will move into the Round of 16 for the first time in her career. She will face Ludmilla Samsonova on Sunday, Sept. 4.
Serena Williams captivated not just tennis fans, but sports fans as a whole, throughout her career. If this is truly it, Williams will not only go down as one of the best tennis stars of all time, but also as one of the best athletes in sports history.