New Delhi: Serena Williams bid farewell to the sport after playing for nearly 27 years. She lost her third-round game to Ajla Tomljanovic in the ongoing US Open and this marked her retirement from the court. She thanked her parents and her coaches and gave a special mention to her sister and Tennis legend Venus Willaims in her retirement speech.
The farewell of someone who is known as the greatest of all time is an emotional moment for the fans as well as the sports fraternity. Various celebrities and sports personalities showed their gratitude for her contribution to the sport and wished her luck for life ahead.
Former US First Lady Michelle Obama thanked Serena and told that she is proud of her. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote, “Age is not what the body tells you, but what your mind tells the body,” and congratulated the Tennis star for inspiring many people. Even Bill Gates took on Twitter and wrote about how Serena challenged the double standards between male and female players.
Congrats on an amazing career, @SerenaWilliams!
How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time.
I’m proud of you, my friend—and I can’t wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents. pic.twitter.com/VWONEMAwz3
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 3, 2022
Age is not what the body tells you, but what your mind tells the body. Teenagers can solve world’s biggest problems, adults can pick up something new & excel.
Sport inspires society to push limits & achieve the impossible. Congratulations on an inspiring career, @serenawilliams. pic.twitter.com/qxckNSoaw8
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 3, 2022
What a run. @serenawilliams will be leaving behind an extraordinary tennis career that challenged the double standard between male and female players. I look forward to watching her continue building her amazing legacy off the court. https://t.co/K9Hxa2jB3I
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) September 3, 2022
The Tennis fraternity was emotional and many current and former players expressed their views. Former world number one Billie Jean King wrote, “Her incredible career made its mark on Tennis history.” American tennis player Coco Gauff shared an emotional note and thanked Serena. Former Tennis star James Blake wrote, “I’ve never seen a more intense competitor and it was an honor to share a court with you and watch history.”
Her incredible career made its mark on tennis history.
And yet her greatest contributions may be yet to come.
Thank you, @serenawilliams.
Your journey continues. #serena #USOpen https://t.co/0wDFfRN3Dq
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 3, 2022
Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and for that I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT! pic.twitter.com/qeNZlC05WJ
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) September 3, 2022
Serena. Thank you for being you and the inspiration to so many men and women. I’ve never seen a more intense competitor and it was an honor to share a court with you and watch history. Simply the best. @serenawilliams
— James Blake (@JRBlake) September 3, 2022
Legendary basketball player LeBron James shared his views in a video.
.@KingJames giving the QUEEN @serenawilliams all her ? ? ?
(via @uninterrupted)pic.twitter.com/Z9gdO7w7Cf
— ESPN (@espn) September 3, 2022
The most emotional remark came from her opponent Ajla Tomljanovic who said she feels ‘sorry’. The Australian Tennis player said, “I’m feeling really sorry just because I love Serena just as much as you guys do. What she’s done for me, for the sport of tennis, is incredible. I never thought I’d have a chance to play her in her last match when I remember watching her in all those finals, so this is a surreal moment for me. I thought she would beat me, so the pressure wasn’t on me. Even to the last point, I knew she’s in a position to win even when she’s down 5-1. That’s just who she is and she’s the greatest of all time. Period.”
