
Serena Williams loses in the third round of the U.S. Open and her professional tennis career is over now.
At the year’s final major, the 40-year-old mother of Olympia outperformed expectations by defeating world No. 2 Anett Kontaveit and saving five match points from Tomljanovic in a gripping three-set showdown.
Some questioned if she is truly prepared to “evolve away” from tennis to concentrate on expanding her family and her business activities, as she said last month, given the undiminished strength she showed in New York. The legendary player announced her retirement in a cover story for Vogue.
As the 23-time Grand Slam champion says goodbye to the sports she dominated, players amd legends from different field pay tribute to the American icon.
Michael Phelps says Serena helped “empower” the next generation:
It’s truly been fun to watch Serena not only change the sport of tennis, but more importantly, how she’s helped empower the next generation. Her tennis accomplishments speak for themselves, but one of the things I admire about her is she simply doesn’t quit. On or off the court
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) September 3, 2022
He further tweeted:
her will, her strength, her determination…she simply never gives up. She’s a great example to us all. Congrats and thank you, Serena!!
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) September 3, 2022
Magic Johnson and LeBron James, the NBA legends quick enough to speak for Serena, have a look:
We just witnessed the last US Open for the greatest of all time, Serena Williams!! Serena has meant so much to sports, the game of tennis, the world, every little girl, and even more to every little Black girl across the globe. @serenawilliams #ThankYouSerena
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 3, 2022
King James calls Serena “dope”.
#SerenaWilliams THANK YOU 🐐!! You’re so damn DOPE!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🤎 https://t.co/5tSbzz7UHw
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 3, 2022
Legendary Tiger Woods congratulates his ” little sis” via Twitter:
.@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!!!!!!
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 3, 2022
Bill Gates wishes Williams luck off the court:
What a run. @serenawilliams will be leaving behind an extraordinary tennis career that challenged the double standard between male and female players. I look forward to watching her continue building her amazing legacy off the court. https://t.co/K9Hxa2jB3I
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) September 3, 2022
“Legend forever,” says Oprah Winfrey:
25 years. Champion. Shero. Legend forever! @serenawilliams #USOpen pic.twitter.com/xdo4dy4fpP
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 3, 2022
Simone Biles thanks Serena for “transcending sports for black athletes and female athletes”.
thank you @serenawilliams for transcending sports for black athletes, female athletes and every athlete🤍
such a pleasure to watch, thanks for being an inspiration
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) September 3, 2022
Rising teen starts Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff also pay tribute to the legend:
Thanks @serenawilliams!!! 😍🙌🏻 https://t.co/xgdCHAvDQh
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 3, 2022
Gauff thanked Serena for her making the teen believe in this ” dream”.
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
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) September 3, 2022