Serena Williams’ legendary tennis career likely over after third-round singles’ play loss at US Open
The US Open, the most-watched tournament on television, has now moved one step closer to a third straight year with its biggest story line.
Two-time Masters champion Williams said Wednesday she will retire from the sport at the end of the year, not unlike a number of former players.
Her announcement marked a major shift from a year ago, when Williams said she was still playing.
“It’s about the journey, and I love to travel,” Williams said in New York. “I had really, really enjoyed competing at the Open, and I also really enjoyed my years on the tour with my family.”
Williams, who won 25 Grand Slam singles titles, has become a global ambassador for disability rights, especially the condition that drives her, cerebral palsy. She has been outspoken about that condition, which affects her lower body and brain, but she is most known for her dominant tennis games and winning.
In a statement, she said: “I am sorry to announce that, after many years of competing at the highest level, I will be retiring from tennis.” She became the first to win a career Grand Slam at the 2005 US Open when the 20-year-old Williams beat former top player Martina Hingis in the final.
“It is the decision I have made for myself, based on my love of competition and my desire to continue to contribute as much as I can to young women’s lives,” she said.
Williams won the Wimbledon championship five times, the US Open in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2014 and 2016, and the French Open in 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2014.
The 30-year-old Williams has notched the most singles titles out of any woman in major tennis history, and won the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open crowns in their respective categories.
The first of her five Grand Slam singles titles came at the 2005 US Open on a day when Williams had to retire from the tournament due to a hamstring injury. She had entered in the fourth round and was trailing in the third set when she broke the fifth time and
