It was a historic race for Serena Williams. More Grand Slam titles than any tennis player of the Open era. Two ” applause from Serena.”A career record of 858-154.
The ride ended at the 2022 US Open on Friday. In a dramatic and long match against Ajla Tomljanovic, Williams dropped out in the third round, losing 5-7, 7-6 (7-4), 1-6.
“It was a fun ride, the most incredible ride and journey of my life, and I am so grateful for every person who has said in their life, ‘Come Serena’. I’m so grateful that you brought me here,” Williams said after the game at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Williams thanked the crowd for their support during the match and for their five-day run in the tournament. Then she thanked her family and her coaches.
“Thanks, Dad. I know you’re watching. Thanks mom,” Williams said, alluding to her parents Richard Williams and Oracene Price. “Thank you to everyone who has been here by my side for so many years, decades, Oh my God, literally decades. But it all started with my parents and they deserve everything, so I’m really grateful to them. These are happy tears, I think. I have no idea.
“And I wouldn’t be Serena if there was no Venus, so thank you, Venus. She’s the only reason Serena Williams ever existed,” Williams said of her older sister.
Williams was asked if she could reconsider her retirement, to which she replied: “I don’t think so, but you never know.”
During her press conference a few minutes after, Williams said she wasn’t looking forward to taking the next step in her life and reaching out to her mother. She has a daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. and she told Vogue she wanted to have a second child.
“I’m ready to become a mom and explore a different version of Serena, and technically I’m still very young, so I want to have a little bit of life while I’m still running,” said Williams, 40.
