Serena Williams has left a small back door open – in case she would “itch” again. “You never know. I’ve always loved Australia,” said the exceptional 40-year-old tennis player with a view to the Grand Slam event that will take place in Melbourne at the end of January. Should the American, who was at the top of the world rankings for 319 weeks, not change her mind, her emotional third round appearance at the US Open was the last of her outstanding career, in which Williams earned around 95 million US dollars in prize money alone.
Ajla Tomljanovic, who retired Serena 7: 5, 6: 7 (4), 6: 1 at the completely sold-out Arthur Ashe Stadium, apologized after the converted match point. “I’m very sorry, I love her like all of you,” said the Australian: “She’s the greatest of all time.”
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Williams ran tirelessly but unsuccessfully after the 24th Grand Slam title, with which Serena would have overtaken the record holder Margaret Court. That should not dampen the enthusiasm for the “Grande Dame”. After the supposed farewell performance, the highest-paid athlete in the world, who had missed a round of 16 in Flushing Meadows for the first time since her debut in 1998, was showered with praise.
“Congratulations, Serena, for your heart, talent, intelligence, dedication and dignity. Few athletes have inspired more people, both in sport and beyond, like this,” said former US President Barack Obama. “I love you little sister,” said golf superstar Tiger Woods. “You are literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring us all to pursue our dreams.”
Gentleman Rafael Nadal also paid tribute to the merits of the tennis mom, who now wants to be there even more for her daughter Alexis Olympia (five years young). “We were lucky that we had such a great ambassador like Serena for so long. I wish her all the best, hopefully we’ll see her around the tour,” said the Mallorquin, who gets in shot at this year’s US Open .
Nadal defeated Richard Gasquet (Fra) – undoubtedly a favorite opponent with a record of 18 wins in 18 duels – 6: 0, 6: 1, 7: 5, in the round of 16 local hero Frances Tiafoe (USA) is now waiting. “It was my best match in this tournament, an important step forward,” emphasized Nadal. (Alex)
Source: Nachrichten
