WATCH: Serena Williams bids farewell to her career at 2022 US Open
WTA
Serena Williams officially retired from tennis, and it was a very emotional evening at the 2022 US Open.
The most successful female tennis player of all time chose to end her career at the US Open. It was a very symbolic retirement, as the US Open was the first Grand Slam title she has ever won.
Young Serena introduced herself to the tennis world, winning in New York in 1999. Since then, she own the US Open five more times, and even though she hoped to add her seventh triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2022, she certainly won't be thinking about that in a couple of weeks.
After winning her first two matches, Williams lost in the third round to Ajla Tomljanovic 5-7, 7-6(4), 1-6, ending her legendary tennis career.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion was cheered on by thousands inside of the Arthur Ashe Stadium, and it was a very emotional farewell for Serena.
She said she was not retiring, but instead "evolving away from tennis," and her last day on the tennis courts was as emotional as was her speech after the match.
"I thank everyone that’s here, that’s been on my side for so many years, decades, literally decades. It all started with my parents. They deserve everything. I’m grateful for them. These are happy tears, I guess."
Serena also didn't forget her sister, Venus Williams, who was in the stands, watching the retirement of her sister. The retiring legend couldn't hold back her tears during the interview, especially when she addressed her sister.
"And I wouldn’t be Serena if it wasn’t for Venus. Thank you, Venus. She’s the only reason Serena Williams ever existed. It’s been a fun ride. It’s been the most incredible ride and journey I’ve ever been on in my life."
