US Open: Serena Williams falls to Ajla Tomljanovic, says she won’t reconsider retirement but ‘you never know’
- Serena Williams, perhaps the most decorated player in history, ended her tennis career in the third round of the 2022 US Open
- The 40-year-old said she will not reconsider her decision to retire from tennis, but added: ‘You never know’
Serena Williams has been knocked out of the US Open by Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic, signalling the end of a glittering career which includes 23 grand slam titles.
Arguably the most decorated player in history, Williams forced Tomljanovic to go the distance over an epic three-hour slugfest, but her efforts were not enough. Tomljanovic took the game 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1.
“I don’t think so, but you never know,” the six-time US Open champion said. “It’s been the most incredible ride and journey I’ve ever been on, I mean, in my life.
“I’m just so grateful to every single person that’s ever said, ‘Go, Serena,’ in their life. I’m just so grateful. You got me here.”
Tomljanovic described her opponent as “the greatest of all time. Period.”
“I’m feeling really sorry,” the Australian told a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. “What she has done for me and for the sport is just incredible. This is a surreal moment.”
