US Open 2022: A defiant Serena Williams bid an emotional goodbye to the US Open with a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday, in what may have been the last singles match of her glittering career. Defeat has always been hard to swallow for the fiercely competitive Williams and no doubt the 7-5 6-7 (4) 6-1 loss to the 46th ranked Australian stung her to her core. Follow US Open 2022 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
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But after a joyous run into the third round there was no shame in a loss to the gritty Tomljanovic, allowing the 23-times Grand Slam winner to exit with dignity intact and head held high.
What a week. What an evening.
Thank you, #Serena. pic.twitter.com/KJ1zDkQGUs
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022
Her three matches, highlighted by a second-round win over world number two Anett Kontaveit, were a gift to her fans, the relentless never surrender attitude that made her tennis’ dominant player for over two decades on display right until the very final point.
“I wouldn’t be Serena if there wasn’t Venus.”@serenawilliams 💙 @Venuseswilliams pic.twitter.com/C7RZXcf23E
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022
Always up for a fight, the 40-year-old came out swinging, forcing Tomljanovic to go the distance. The Australian needed six match points to deliver the knockout punch and bring an end to an engrossing three-plus-hour slugfest.
“I love #Serena just as much as you guys do.” pic.twitter.com/7i1hrUsmAy
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022
Williams had signalled her intention to retire last month, saying she was “evolving away from tennis” but never confirming the U.S. Open as her final event.
US Open 2022: Serena Williams falls in third round – Check Highlights
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