It was Serena’s last time on court as an active player. It was a final high-flying performance despite defeat, a final Serena-style dance, a final speech and then a final real walk out of Arthur Ashe Stadium. The terror of the women’s tour for more than two decades, it was with tears of joy that she gave her final thanks and thus ended her 27-year career.
The final run of the Queen
It was in the third round of the US Open that the latest fairy tale came to an end. In the first round, she defeated Danka Kovinic (ranked 80th in the world) in two sets (6-3, 6-3) in an electric atmosphere, before taking down the Estonian world No. 2 Anett Kontaveit in three sets (7-6, 2-6, 6-2) in an even crazier atmosphere. Her last battle with the Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic (46th) also ended in three sets (5-7, 7-6, 1-6).
The level of play was impressive and the run quite unbelievable, because yes, considering what her 2022 season had looked like up to that point (few matches played, almost only defeats and a level of play far too far from her standards), it was very likely that she would have to say goodbye in the first round. But as she said so well, she couldn’t accept such a level and Serena decided to become Serena again. And it showed. Certainly no longer in the physical shape she had in her best years, but in terms of power there were some nice remains, and as far as talent is concerned, it didn’t disappear and she showed it well.
Despite the defeat, the greatest of all time hung up on a rather good note, but above all, on a very emotional speech.
A true game-changer both on and off the court! Bow Down!