Serena Williams saw her US Open dreams dashed in the third round by Ajla Tomljanovic in what is expected to be her final competitive tennis match.
Williams’ performances against Danka Kovinic and Anett Kontaveit had given hope to the tens of thousands who have gathered at Flushing Meadows hoping her swan song would have a fairytale ending.
But despite a memorable second-set comeback in a dour atmosphere, there will be no record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title.
The brave Tomljanovic needed six match points to deliver the knockout blow and end a thrilling slugfest lasting more than three hours, winning 7-5 6-7 (7-4) 6-1.
Tomljanovic vs Williams: Match Stats
Tomljanovic Match Stats Williams 3 Ace 11 9 Double Faults 7 63% First Serve Win Percentage 64% 40% Second Serve Win Percentage 36% 8/13 Break Points Won 5/13 32 Total Winners 49 30 Errors No forced 51 123 Total points won
The 40-year-old, who played her first professional tennis match in 1995, calmly walked to the net before waving to all sides of Arthur Ashe Stadium as ‘Simply The Best’ was playing over the speakers.
Addressing the crowd through tears, Williams said: “Thank you so much, you guys are amazing. I tried. Thanks dad, I know you’re watching. Thanks mom.
“I just thank everyone who’s here, who’s been by my side for so many years, literally decades, but it all started with my parents and they deserve everything, so I’m very grateful to them. And I wouldn’t be Serena if there were it wasn’t Venus, so thank you Venus. It’s been a fun ride.”
When asked if there could be another chapter, Williams added, “I don’t think so, but you never know.”
Serena Williams: Career Stats
Singles Titles 73 Doubles Titles 23 Grand Slam Singles Titles 23 Grand Slam Doubles Titles 14 Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Titles 2 Olympics 4 Gold Medals World No. 1 319 Win Weeks 858
Williams, who came back in after a set that praised her greatness, got off to a nervous start and dropped her serve straight away, but quickly recovered, broke Tomljanovic again and started to move forward.
Williams’ movement was sharp and her groundstrokes strong, and Arthur Ashe was ready to celebrate another set in the bag when she broke serve again to lead 5-3.
But Williams, who has played very little tennis in the last 18 months, stiffened at the wrong time, struggled to find her serve and Tomljanovic took the set in four straight games.
The 29-year-old was looking to reach the fourth round in New York for the first time but is no stranger to the second week of slams having reached back-to-back Wimbledon quarter-finals.
This occasion, of course, was something entirely new and felt the full force of Williams’ frustration at having let the first set slip away.
With her serve now committed, the 40-year-old raced to a 4-0 lead. Tomljanovic came back with two games in a row, and the Australian pushed for another break, but Williams dug deep and roared long and hard when she held.
But again he struggled to get over the line, failing to convert four set points in a long eighth game and then giving up his serve when Tomljanovic leveled at 5-5.
At 4-4 in the tie-break, Williams was three points from the end but took a deep breath, served an ace and forced a decider.
The delirious crowd was on its feet, and Williams started the third set in perfect fashion by breaking Tomljanovic’s serve again.
It takes a lot of work to get here. Clearly I’m still capable. It takes much more than that. I’m ready to be a mom, explore a different version of Serena. Serena Williams
But as the match approached the three-hour mark, the physical effort Williams had put in began to take its toll and she had little left to give.
At 5-1, Williams received a standing ovation. She held on grudgingly, saving five match points in vintage fashion, but by the sixth it was all over.
Tomljanovic, who will next play Liudmila Samsonova, described the moment as “surreal”.
She said: “I’m so sorry just because I love Serena as much as you do. What she’s done for the sport of tennis is amazing. I never thought I’d get the chance to play with her in her last match. when I was a kid watching all those finals.”
What would you need to return?
Image: Williams said she “always loved Australia” during her press conference
During his press conference, Williams was asked if there was any chance he could continue playing. She replied: “I don’t know. I’m not thinking about it. I’ve always loved Australia, though.
“I’ve come a long way since last year at Wimbledon. I’m not sure if that was my last moment or not. To do it a different time I think is much better.
“It takes a lot of work to get here. Obviously, I’m still capable. It takes a lot more than that. I’m ready to be a mom, to explore a different version of Serena.
“Technically in the world I’m still super young, so I want to have some life while I’m still walking.”
Will you be involved in the game in any way?
“For me, tennis has been such a big part of my life, I can’t imagine not being involved in tennis. I still don’t know what that involvement is,” Williams said. “But I feel like it’s given me so many opportunities. Through that, it’s given other people so many incredible opportunities.
“I think he means so much to me in my life, and I’ve had so many amazing moments, that I don’t see a future without him. What’s my involvement? I have no idea. I think I’ll be involved. somehow or form”.
What is the one thing you hope to be remembered for?
“There are so many things to remember. Like the fight. I’m a fighter,” the 40-year-old said.
“I feel like I’ve really brought something, and contributed something, to tennis. The different looks, the fists, the intensity just crazy. I think obviously passion I think is a really good word.
“I’m just going through ups and downs. I could go on and on. But I’m honestly so grateful that I had this moment and that I’m Serena.”
Coco crushes Keys to reach the last 16
Image: Coco Gauff dominated fellow American Madison Keys to reach the fourth round of the US Open for the first time
Coco Gauff proved too much for former finalist Madison Keys in their all-American duel, cruising to a 6-2, 6-3 victory in just over an hour.
The 18-year-old Gauff, who was once again called upon to warm up the Arthur Ashe Stadium court for Serena Williams ahead of her countryman’s much-anticipated night match, has now made the second week of the four Grand Slams.
The French Open finalist, who improved to 11-3 at majors this year, said she was honored to open up to Williams at Flushing Meadows for the third time and would be hooked on the match again of his idol
“It’s been amazing. I haven’t missed it,” Gauff said.
“Even the day I saw it on TV I had to order room service. I know she’s on my side of the draw and I don’t know when I might face her, but that’s the goal.”
Gauff will be the favorite when she faces China’s Zhang Shuai on Sunday.
Tunisian fifth seed Ons Jabeur survived a thrilling duel against home hope Shelby Rogers 4-6 6-4 6-3.
“Crazy game,” Jabeur said. “Even at 5-1, 40-love, she doesn’t make it easy for me. I’m very happy that I kept fighting and went all the way.”
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