Williams, 40, first mentioned her impending farewell to the sport in during the Canadian Open last month, citing her desire to have another child. In the piece, she said she preferred the word “evolution” instead of “retirement” and acknowledged how difficult it was to come to the decision.
She played US open against Ajla Tomljanovic and lost over-three-hour 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1 in the third round. She gave an emotional speech after what was likely her final tennis match Friday night.
In her speech , she stated,” Thank you daddy, I know you’re watching. Thanks mom,” “Everyone that’s here, that’s been on my side, for so many years, decades. “These are happy tears, I guess. I don’t know. And I wouldn’t be Serena if there wasn’t Venus, so 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.”