US Open 2022: Serena Williams finally says goodbye to Tennis after losing to Ajla Tomljanović

Serena Williams, the greatest tennis player of the Open Era, has said goodbye to her wonderful career of 27 years. The legendary tennis player announced her retirement after losing to Australia's Ajla Tomljanović in the third round of the US Open 2022.

Also read: US Open 2022: When, how, and where to watch and follow from India?

Tomljanović defeated Serena 7-5, 6-7, 6-1 in the third round of the US Open 2022. After this defeat, Serena bid farewell to the tennis court. During the speech, she became emotional.

"It's been a fun ride, It's been the most incredible ride and journey I've ever been on, I mean, in my life. I'm just so grateful to every single person that's ever said, 'Go, Serena,' in their life. I'm just so grateful. You got me here."

Serena took up the racket at the age of 4. Her father wanted at least one daughter to become a tennis star. Serena was born in Michigan, but her family moved to California at a young age. Serena's mother Oracene Price and father Richard Williams trained her. When she was 13 years old, her father used to train her for 6 hours in harsh sunlight. Serena played the first professional tennis tournament in the year 1995. She won the first Grand Slam of her career 24 years ago in 1999.

So far she has won 39 majors, ie Grand Slam titles. These include 23 singles and 14 women's doubles and 2 mixed doubles. Serena also has four Olympic medals to her name. Moreover, she made her Grand Slam debut in 1998. In 1999, she became the youngest player to win a Grand Slam by defeating champion Martina Hingis. Beating sister Venus Williams at the 2016 Australian Open, She set a record of 22 Grand Slams. Serena had won all four major tennis tournaments by the age of 22. Her sister Venus became her biggest rival during this period.

Also read: Grand Slam Records: Most Grand Slam single matches wins (men and women)

Serena has 2 Golden Slams to her name. A Golden Slam career is called when a tennis player wins 4 Grand Slam Olympic gold in his career including the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. Serena did this for the first time in 2012 and became the first player to win the Golden Slam. Later, together with sister Venus, did this feat in doubles as well.