Serena Williams' last big show at the US Open: "These are tears of joy"
Serena Williams is eliminated from the US Open. It was probably the last appearance of the 23-time Grand Slam winner. But she again left a small back door open.
by SID
last edit: Sep 03, 2022, 09:58 am
Serena Williams couldn't hold back the tears, her voice was shaking. "Thank you dad, thank you mom," said the tennis queen after her third round at the US Open and also included her sister Venus and her husband Alexis Ohanian in an emotional speech: "I just want to thank everyone who has been on my side for decades .These are tears of joy."
The 40-year-old, 23-time Grand Slam winner missed another coup in what may be her last major tournament. She will probably not reconsider her resignation announcement, Williams said afterwards: "I don't think so, but you never know, I don't know."
Serena WIlliams: Small door for career continuation remains open
Williams put on another great show and fought for every ball - but it wasn't enough for another celebrated victory. She was defeated by the Australian world number 46. Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday evening (local time) at Arthur Ashe Stadium 5: 7, 7: 6 (7: 4), 1: 6. In her 21st participation in New York, it was only her second third-round defeat. She suffered the first on her debut in 1998 against Romanian Irina Spirlea.
If successful, the American would have become the oldest woman since the introduction of professional tennis in 1968 to reach the round of 16 in a Grand Slam. Instead, she could now make her final farewell. But she didn't really want to say it yet. When asked if there was a small margin for a return to the pitch, Williams replied: "I don't think about it. But I've always loved Australia." And laughed.
Strong performances in New York
Williams had previously strongly indicated that her 81st major tournament could end her great career, but had not definitively confirmed it. At the beginning of August, the former world number one, who failed in the first round in doubles alongside her sister Venus, announced in "Vogue" magazine that the "countdown" to the end of her career had begun.
Williams surprised with their victories against Danka Kovinic and against the world number two Anett Kontaveit before Tomljanovic came out. If the top player does not change her mind now, she will be unable to catch up with Margaret Court, who is a record major winner with 24 titles.