The 40-year-old legend of world tennis, who had previously announced his intention to end his career after the US Open-2022, stopped fighting in the tournament in the third round.

Australian Ayla Tomlyanovich became the offender of the American. The fight lasted three sets and ended with the victory of Tomljanovich with a score of 7:5, 6:7 (4), 6:1.

After the defeat, the fans escorted Serena off the court with a loud ovation. At the press conference, she could not restrain her emotions and burst into tears..

" I think if I had resumed playing earlier or played more I would still be able to compete at such a high level.. But I do not know. I think I can only take positive things from my career.

25 years is a long time. I've been playing tennis all my life, so. It's still too early to talk about it. But I'm happy too, because this is what I wanted, what I want. These are not sad tears, you see? It's just... I don't even know how to describe it..

There are so many things that people will remember me for. I am a fighter. Maybe that's how I'll be remembered. I really feel like I brought something to tennis.. These different images, fists clenched in celebration, insane intensity.

I think that passion is a very good word. I kept going through all the ups and downs. I'm just so grateful that I had these moments and that I'm just Serena," Serena Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam champion: she has won seven Wimbledon and Australian Open titles, six US Open titles, and three Roland Garros titles..

American is a four-time Olympic champion. Serena has won 367 Grand Slams in her career.. Only Switzerland's Roger Federer has won more victories - 369.