Serena Williams’ run in the US Open reached its end, losing to Ajla Tomjanovic on Friday night.
Ever since announcing that she would be “evolving away from tennis,” the sports world has followed Serena Williams’ 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, Williams’ magical run in the US Open reached its end. 46th-ranked Ajla Tomjanovic 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 Tomjanovic 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 “I wouldn’t be Serena if it wasn’t for Venus.”
When asked if she would consider returning to tennis, Williams said “I don’t think so, but you never know.”
Twitter reacts to Serena Williams’ US Open run ends
Viewers were captivated throughout Williams’ match against Tomjanovic. 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 Williams’ run officially ended, those around the sports world said thank you to Williams for a legendary career.
With her win over Williams, Tomjanovic 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.