Serena Williams has already received a tribute despite her victory at the US Open. Billie Jean King, among others, addressed the American at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
“I remember seeing you for the first time when you were six years old, at a clinic. I asked you to serve and everyone looked on. ‘Don’t change it anymore,’ I said to you.” said the 78-year-old King. “And tonight we saw again what kind of weapon it is.”
Oprah Winfrey also addressed her via a video message. “I was not expecting this at all,” Williams said of the ceremony after her 6-3 6-3 win over Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic. “I always give it my all and feel so comfortable on this track. The crowd drove me crazy and really helped me through it.”
New phase
The 40-year-old Williams announced a few weeks ago that she was ready for a new phase in her life. She did not mention a specific farewell tournament, but after the US Open she will no longer be in action, it has since become clear.
“It was a really hard decision and it always is when you love something so much. But it’s time for other chapters in life, call it Serena 2.0. I’m looking forward to not having to run to the tennis court. And I want to be a good mom to my daughter,” Williams said, shortly before hugging her 4-year-old daughter.
banners
After the fairly short ceremony, the supporters showed the text ‘We Love Serena’ with colored banners. Screens read ‘Greatest Of All Time’.
Williams, who also competes in doubles in New York with her sister Venus, will face second-seeded Anett Kontaveit from Estonia on Wednesday.