Serena Williams ended her tennis career after shocking defeat to her worthy opponent Ajla Tomljanovic at the US Open. Having previously won 23 grand slam singles, Williams had announced her retirement fortnight ago and praised fellow tennis player Rodgers Federer on inspiration he brought to her and millions of people.
Federer also announced his retirement plans just days after Serena’s. In her Instagram account, Williams posted “I wanted to find the perfect way to say this, as you so eloquently put this game to rest – perfectly done, just like your career. I have always looked up to you and admired you. Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions and millions of people – including me – and we will never forget. I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future. Welcome to the retirement club. And thank you for being you.”
Mother of one and wife to co-founder of Reddit Alexis Ohanian has had a 25 years of success as tennis player as she announced her plans to retire after US Open via personal publish in Vogue September issue. The couples are parenting a 4year old daughter, Alexis Olimpia Ohanian Jr, who is also a following into steps of her celebrated mother in the tennis courts. Williams revealed that her plans are to focus on writing and her family growth.
“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 would be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family,” she said. “Don’t get me wrong: I love being a woman and I loved every second of being pregnant with Olympia… But I’m turning 41 this month and something’s got to give.” Serena added
Serena made her professional debut in 1995 at Quebec city Bell Challenge and loses straight sets to Annie Miller. In 1998 she beats spirlea in Grand slam main draw but loses to sister Venus Williams. The same year she would win her first grand slam in the doubles partnering Croatian Max Mirnyni.
Serena eventually won her first US Open Grand Slam singles beating Monica Seles, Kim Clijsters and Conchita Martinez before winding Martina Hingis consecutive sets to clinch the trophy in 1999. Venus and sister Serena would win the Olympic women doubles. The following year would see controversies as Serena’s father would claim racial abuse from fans as Venus withdraws in favor of Serena at Indian Wells semi finals.
In 2002 Serena Williams became world number one replacing her sister Venus after beating her in Wimbledon and French Open which precedes her first Australian open the year 2003 thus completing career Grand Slam by winning all the four Grand Slams at least once aged 22.
Injury sidelines Serena until 2005 when she bounces back to winning ways by bagging the Australian Open for the second time marking her return in style since 2003. Williams would lose 2009 US Open to Kim Clijsters after along struggle with injuries that deepened down to depression. She later completed her golden slam career by winning Olympic doubles and singles. Alongside elder sister Venus, Serena withdraws from Wimbledon doubles after exiting singles at third round.
In 2015 Serena Williams became the first person to win all the Grand Slams four times in a row consecutively after winning her 20th Grand Slam courtesy of her third French Open. She won her seventh Australian Open in 2017 while 8 weeks pregnant beating her sister Venus, this of course was preceded by her seventh and last Wimbledon singles title in 2016.
Williams got bed ridden for almost six weeks following birth complications after delivering her daughter Ohanian Jr in 2017. Serena would then lose French and US Open marred by controversy over umpire rulings. Wins Auckland Open in 2020 before withdrawing from Wimbledon Open in 2021 citing injuries.
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