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.”
Serena said “I don’t think so but you never know” on playing again 😳😳🥹🥹🥹
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) September 3, 2022
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.
To the goat of the tennis courts, @serenawilliams you own that world. Wishing you just as much success in your retirement.
— Bo Jackson (@BoJackson) September 3, 2022
Serena Williams. That’s the tweet.
— Daniel Yanofsky (@DanYanofsky) September 3, 2022
I’m watching a sport that isn’t baseball and it is good.
— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) September 3, 2022
There’s nothing like a night crowd at the US Open, especially under these circumstances. This is electric.
— 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
— Troy Problems, who’s got ’em? (@pdlmma) September 3, 2022
Go Serena Go you go girl Mr October rootin hard for ya
— Reggie Jackson (@mroctober) September 3, 2022
Serena giving me chills from NYC!! LFGOOOOOOO!!!
— Becky Hammon (@BeckyHammon) September 3, 2022
I am surrounded by people who have no idea who Serena Williams is and what she’s doing and I feel like I am going to explode
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) September 3, 2022
Serena Williams is the greatest athlete of all time.
— J. Spencer (he) (@JohnathanPerk) September 3, 2022
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.
