Serena Williams has exited the 2022 US Open, and has called curtains on her 27-year long career. The American won 23 Grand Slam titles, and leaves the court as one of the greatest of all-time.
In her final game, Williams lost against Ajla Tomljanovic by a scoreline of 5-7, 7-6, 1-6. Over 72,000 fans filled the stadium to see the icon play in the US Open, and eventually, the last game of her legendary career.
Serena Williams plays out final game of her career in the US Open
“I wouldn’t be Serena if there wasn’t Venus. So thank you, Venus. She is the only reason Serena Williams ever existed. It all started with my parents, they deserve everything. I am so grateful to them. These are happy tears, I guess,” Serena Williams said.
Asked by an on-court interviewer whether there was any possibility she might yet extend her career, she replied: “I don’t think so, but you never know.”
“It’s been a fun ride,” she said. “It’s been the most incredible ride and journey I’ve ever been on, I mean, in my life.
“I’m just so grateful to every single person that’s ever said, ‘Go, Serena,’ in their life. I’m just so grateful. You got me here.”
Williams, 40, had to fight a strong battle with physical and mental fatigue, but came up short. An emotional display followed a charged game in front of a packed audience, as Tomljanovic picked up the win.
