Serena Williams extended her US Open farewell with a gritty opening win on an entertaining night packed with hope and celebration in New York
Serena Williams : US Open win | Farewell | Biography
Williams announced her retirement from tennis. Following the 2022 U.S. Open, Williams is gearing up to say her farewell to her career.
The pro athlete confirmed her decision in a recent chat with Vogue as she gives her best as the cover girl for the outlet’s September 2022 edition while Williams talks about being at crossroads with her career and her family.
Williams told the magazine, “Believe me, I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and a family. I don’t think it’s fair.
If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family.”
She continued, “Don’t get me wrong: I love being a woman, and I loved every second of being pregnant with Olympia…. A lot of people don’t realize that I was two months pregnant when I won the Australian Open in 2017. But I’m turning 41 this month [on September 26], and something’s got to give,” per ET Canada.
US Open win
Williams, who is set to retire after the tournament, won 6-3 6-3 against Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic.
A near-capacity 25,000 crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium willed on their idol, who responded in typical determined style.
Williams, 40, will play Estonian second seed Anett Kontaveit in the second round on Wednesday.
Her first assignment was beating Kovinic, ranked 80th in the world, and there was a thunderous noise when she took the first of three match points to ensure her singles career was not over yet.
Williams jumped on the spot when Kovinic’s backhand return hit the net, then twirled ecstatically in the centre of the court before blowing kisses to her adoring fans when she had returned to her seat to soak in the occasion.
Serena Williams farewell
“We love Serena” is the message that appeared at the end of the challenge and seen by the American during the post-race interview.
The Arthur Ashe Stadium supported the winner of 23 Grand Slam titles during the match and will be able to experience an important battle between her and Estonian Anett Kontaveit on Wednesday 31 August.
A magical evening, closed in a splendid way by the American champion.
A galaxy of celebrities ranging from Hollywood stars, fashion icons and former presidents were out in force at Flushing Meadows’ Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch could have been Williams final appearance in a Grand Slam singles match.
Serena Williams Biography
Williams was born on September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan to Oracene Price and Richard Williams.
She is the youngest of Price’s five daughters: half-sisters Yetunde, Lyndrea, and Isha Price, and full older sister Venus. She also has at least seven paternal half-siblings.
| Full name | Serena Jameka Williams |
|---|---|
| Country (sports) | United States |
| Residence | Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S. |
| Born | September 26, 1981 Saginaw, Michigan, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Turned pro | October 1995 |
When the children were young, the family moved to Compton, California, where she started playing tennis at age four. Her father home-schooled her and her sister, Venus.
While he and subsequently her mother have been their official coaches, her other mentors have included Richard Williams, a Compton man who shared her father’s name and subsequently founded The Venus and Serena Williams Tennis Tutorial Academy.
Williams is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The arrival of the Williams sisters has been credited with ushering in a new era of power and athleticism on the women’s professional tennis tour.
| Singles | |
|---|---|
| Career record | 856–154 (84.8%) |
| Career titles | 73 (5th in overall rankings) |
| Highest ranking | No. 1 (July 8, 2002) |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| Australian Open |
W (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017) |
| French Open | W (2002, 2013, 2015) |
| Wimbledon |
W (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016) |
| US Open | W (1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014) |
Serena holds the most combined major titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles among active players, with 39: 23 in singles, 14 in women’s doubles, and two in mixed doubles.