‘She’s the only reason Serena Williams existed’: 23-time Grand Slam champion breaks down into tears as she thanks sister Venus and parents for their roles in her iconic career… but leaves door slightly open to playing on!
- Serena Williams became emotional following her likely career-ending defeat at the hands of Ajla Tomljanovic 7-5, 6-7, 6-1 in a three-set thriller on Arthur Ashe
- Friday may be Williams’ last-ever game of professional tennis, although the modern tennis matriarch did say ‘I don’t think so, but you never know.’
- Williams lavished praise on elder sister Venus who was the family’s trailblazer
- She also thanked her parents, Richard and Oracene , for their constant support
Serena Williams burst into tears following her career-ending defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third-round of the US Open.
The American thanked her family, including father Richard and mother Oracene, before breaking down on the center of Arthur Ashe stadium.
‘Thank you Daddy, I know you’re watching. Thanks Mom. Oh my God,’ Williams said post-match, beginning to cry.
‘I just thank everyone that’s here, that’s been on my side, so many year, decades, oh my gosh literally decades.
‘But it all started with my parents and they deserve everything so I’m really grateful for them.’
Williams then went on to mention her elder sister and inspiration, Venus, for her instrumental role in the 23-time grand slam singles champion’s career.
‘I wouldn’t be Serena if it wasn’t [for] Venus, so, thank you, Venus. She’s the only reason that Serena Williams ever existed.’
Despite tearing up on the court, Williams insisted they were ‘happy tears.’
Serena Williams could not contain her emotions following the loss to Ajla Tomljanovic Friday
Naturally, Williams was overwhelmed with emotion, but remained reflective and indeed philosophical following the dramatic three-set, 7-5. 6-7, 6-1 loss to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic.
‘It’s been a fun ride, it’s been most incredible ride and journey I’ve ever been in my life.
‘And I’m just so grateful to every single person that’s ever said “go Serena” in life. I’m just so grateful because it got me here.’
Williams cut a frustrated and forlorn figure at times as Tomljanovic ultimately proved too good
When asked if this was truly the final chapter to a trophy-filled, multiple-decade career, Williams provided Arthur Ashe with some comic relief before largely confirming her previous commentary on the matter.
‘I’m literally playing my way into this and getting better. I should’ve started sooner this year!
‘I don’t think so, but you never know. I don’t know.’
The 23-time singles grand slam champion did show incredible drive and passion throughout
It is unlikely that Williams would indeed return to professional tennis given her burning ambition to ‘evolve’ and grow her family, yet it is difficult to image her competitive spirit ever being extinguished.
‘Thank you everyone,’ — those were the last words Williams uttered before departing Arthur Ashe.
Perhaps they are the last we will ever hear from Williams in her current iteration as the greatest player of the women’s Open era.
Williams will likely never return to the professional tennis circuit as she desires to now ‘evolve’
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