By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday Septemeber 2, 2022
Flushing Meadows, NY—The era of Serena Williams came to a close on Friday night in New York, as the 23-time Slam champion was defeated by Ajla Tomljanovic, 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-1.
It was an emotional moment to cap of an epic, celebratory week in New York, one in which tennis fans were treated to multiple opportunities to embrace the living legend and watch her fight for one more major title, in both singles and doubles.
Even though she fell short there is a prevailing feeling of triumph. Fans and Serena shared a perfect send-off, and the victories she earned were gravy. We already knew what we had in Serena, and win or lose at the Open, what mattered is that we had the chance to take stock of what she has meant to the sport.
Here is how she sees it:
“There are so many things to be remembered by. Like the fight. I'm such a fighter.
“I feel like I really brought something, and bring something, to tennis. The different looks, the fist pumps, the crazy intensity. I think that obviously the passion—I think it is a really good word.”
Williams said she also was proud of her perseverance.
“Just continuing through ups and downs,” she said, before ending in a classic trademark quote. “I could go on and on. But I just honestly am so grateful that I had this moment and that I'm Serena.”