The 23-time Grand Slam winner and arguably the 'greatest woman tennis player' ever, Serena Williams crashed out from her final Grand Slam tournament on Saturday. Serena Williams lost to Ajla Tomljanovic in three set thriller 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1 in a three-hour long battle.
Despite winning the game, Ajla refrained herself from celebrating the moment and instead, the Australian apologised to the crowd.
"I am feeling really sorry because I love and adore Serena just as much as you guys do. This is a surreal moment for me. I just thought she would beat me," Ajla said post match.
Serena who partnered with her sister Venus Williams in the doubles event after the duo got a wildcard entry faced a shocking defeat in the first round. The American credited her sister for her existence as a tennis player. "I would not be Serena if there was no Venus. She is the only reason Serena Williams ever existed," an emotional Serena said.
As the legendary tennis player bid goodbye and did a signature 'Serena twirl' for the final time, pop classic 'Simple The Best' was played in the background. Among the A-lister, legendary golf player Tiger Woods with Vogue editor Anna Wintour along with Williams family were seen sitting in the Williams' box during Serena's game in the US Open.
R&B singer Ciara and her husband Russel Wilson, who is one country's biggest NFL star were also among the spectators. Tennis great Billie Jean King, film director Spike Lee and actress Rebel Wilson also watched the game.
However, since the news broke out about Serena Williams losing to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the US Open 2022, tributes started pouring in from all walks of the life as social media was flooded with congratulatory messages for the Queen of tennis.
Check out some of the reactions here:
What a ride itβs been.
β US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022
Thank you, @serenawilliams π pic.twitter.com/OEURHryJxV
Serena, Cleopatra of Tennis. She did it her her way..
β michael george (@ehigeorge1) September 3, 2022
GOAT.
Miss you already π’ #SerenaWilliams #Serena #GOATπ΅ pic.twitter.com/cnq6dIgp0K
We just witnessed the last US Open for the greatest of all time, Serena Williams!! Serena has meant so much to sports, the game of tennis, the world, every little girl, and even more to every little Black girl across the globe. @serenawilliams #ThankYouSerena
β Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 3, 2022
Merci, @serenawilliams
β Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 3, 2022
There will never be another Queen π#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/0UCTFLHv5J
This photo is a perfect work of art πΌ#SerenaWilliams #ThankYouSerena pic.twitter.com/pCbxzOAISz
β Luis. (@serenapower_) August 30, 2022
serena williams is the first woman ever, aged 40 years old, to beat a top 3 player in the world pic.twitter.com/lCGJSS6Mek
β enrico maria riva (@enricomariariva) September 1, 2022
Serena Williams the
β Ahmed (@Tallplusmighty) September 3, 2022
Goat π of Tennis πΎ you can go rest now Champ. pic.twitter.com/cKymtmJtI3