We all knew this day would come, but nobody is quite ready for it. That is Serena Williams saying goodbye to tennis.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles winner announced earlier in August that she was ‘evolving’ away from tennis.
Williams will retire at the US Open, 23 years after her first title thereCredit: Getty
She didn’t want to say the word ‘retire’, but that’s exactly what it is. With her 41st birthday looming, she has decided to call it a day.
For nearly a quarter of a century she has blessed the tennis world with so many magical moments, it is hard to name just a few.
She will leave with 39 Grand Slam titles in total, including 14 doubles titles with sister Venus, an incredible 319 weeks as world No.1, and the highest earning female athlete in history.
Williams has also transcended sport to become one of the most recognisable names on the planet, earning plaudits for her charity work and activism.
Those 23 Grand Slam titles are more than anyone, male or female, in the Open era, while she sits one behind Margaret Court’s record of 24, which was achieved before then.
The first of those Slams was in 1999 as a teenager and the fact she is still out on the court now is incredible.
For former British number one Greg Rusedski, Williams is the greatest of all time.
Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam champion, the most in the Open era
“I would say at the moment she is,” Rusedski told talkSPORT. “23 majors in the Open era. Margaret Court has 24 but that wasn’t in the Open era.
“Rafa [Rafael Nadal] has 22, Steffi Graf on 22, Novak Djokovic on 21 and Roger Federer on 20.
“She is the greatest at the moment, in my opinion. Martina [Navratilova] and Chrissy [Evert] had a rivalry that spanned decades as well.
“26 years, where’s she’s come from in Compton and her and her sister being number one. It’s an incredible story and an incredible feat.
“Ironically if she retires at the US Open this year, which I think she will, it’s where she won her first Slam in the last century.”
Williams has won the Wimbledon singles title seven timesCredit: Getty
The landscape of tennis has changed dramatically since Williams first started out dominating, along with her sister, in the late 90s.
Rusedski, who made the US Open final in 1997, cannot believe that she is still playing.
He added: “I was there from the beginning. Venus made her first slam final in ’97 and Serena was there too.
“She [Venus] lost to Martina Hingis in the final, I lost to Pat Rafter that year.
“They are still going and I’m talking about it. That’s how impressive they are. 25 years later and both ladies are still out there.
“It’s incredible. I’ve always gotten on well with Richard [their father] as well as Venus and Serena when I was playing on tour.
4
Serena Williams was 17 when she won the US OpenCredit: Getty
“I like them both and it’s an incredible story. We’ve had King Richard the movie out and I’m sure there is more to come.
“It’s an amazing story and amazing achievement from both ladies. Incredible accomplishments and she should be proud of what she’s done.
News
WWOW!! Tаylor Swіft аnd Mіleѕ Teller’ѕ Wіfe Keleіgh Are Frіendѕ Beyond the ‘I Bet You Thіnk About Me’ Vіdeo.
Tаylor ѕwіft аnd Keleіgh Teller becаme fаѕt frіendѕ — thаnkѕ to Keleіgh’ѕ huѕbаnd, Mіleѕ Teller. Keleіgh hаѕ been а ѕwіftіe for yeаrѕ, but her bond wіth the “Cruel ѕummer” ѕіnger becаme ѕuрer ѕtrong аfter ѕhe аnd Mіleѕ ѕtаrred іn ѕwіft’ѕ…
Taylor Swift FINALLY Announced Marriage With Travis Kelce Taylor Swift, the global superstar, has publicly revealed the location and date for her upcoming nuptials to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The whirlwind romance between the pop icon and the NFL player has captivated the public’s imagination, and now they’re ready to take the next step in their relationship.
In a surprising turn of events, the music world’s power couple Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have made a major αππουncement that has sent shockwaves through their devoted fan base. Taylor Swift, the global superstar, has publicly revealed the location…
Taylor’s mother, Andrea Swift, STIRRED UP social media when she spoke out to defend her daughter’s political views and slammed the media for speaking poorly about her. It was a message filled with outrage
аndreа ѕwіft, Tаylor ѕwіft’ѕ mother, recently іgnіted а heаted dіѕcuѕѕіon on ѕocіаl medіа when ѕhe раѕѕіonаtely defended her dаughter’ѕ рolіtіcаl ѕtаnce аnd crіtіcіzed the medіа for whаt ѕhe рerceіveѕ аѕ unfаіr treаtment. Her bold ѕtаtement hаѕ ѕраrked both ѕuррort аnd…
Offset’s TROLLS Cardi B For Letting Him Cheat | Cardi B & Mistress Pregnant Together
Offset’s Latest Instagram Post Sparks Outrage: Is Cardi B Turning a Blind Eye to More Infidelity? In the ongoing saga of Cardi B and Offset’s relationship, fans and followers are once again embroiled in controversy after Offset’s recent Instagram post….
I don’t regret my kids but I regret you – Cardi B goes off on Offset
Oop! It looks like things are getting even messier! Cardi B filed for divorce from Offset in August 2024, then welcomed their third child weeks later. In the midst of her divorce proceedings with her estranged husband Offset, American rapper…
JUST IN: Cardi B Break Social Media Silence With Shocking Reaction After Offset Accuses Her Of Sleeping With Another Man During Pregnancy
Cardi B Fires Back After Offset Accuses Her Of Infidelity During Pregnancy Cardi B filed for divorce from Offset earlier this year. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Cardi B has a savage response to her estranged husband’s wild accusation. American rapper and…
End of content
No more pages to load