Serena Williams lost her third-round match of the ongoing US Open competition against Ajla Tomljanovic 5-7, 7-6 (7-4), 1-6. This would most likely be the last match in her illustrious career.
The Arthur Ashe Stadium was packed to the rafters as fans came in large numbers to show their unadulterated love and eternal support for the 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.
It was an emotional night as Williams suffered a loss after playing her part in a grueling match that lasted for over three hours. The 40-year-old began her US Open campaign with a win against Danka Kovinic. She pulled off a huge win in the second round against World No. 2 Anett Kontaveit.
After the match, Williams was asked in an on-court interview if she would reconsider her decision to retire. The legendary player said that she might not come back from her stance regarding retirement just yet but didn’t rule out a possibility of reconsideration in the future.
Will you reconsider?” a tearful Williams was asked on court.
“I don’t think so, but you never know,” the former World No. 1 said.
Ajla Tomljanovic will take on the Russian tennis pro – Ludmilla Samsonova in the round of 16 on Sunday. The 23-year-old defeated Aleksandra Krunic to progress to the round of 16.
Serena Williams has won a record number of 23 titles in all Grand Slams. Only Margaret Court with 24 titles is ahead of her in terms of the most Grand Slam titles won in the history of women’s singles tennis.
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