Serena Williams was all tears as she waved tennis goodbye on Friday night after she lost to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the US Open
Williams, 40, became emotional in the post match interview, thanking her late father, known as King Richard, for everything he did.
“Oh my God, thank you so much. You guys were amazing today,” Williams said. “I tried. If I had just played a little bit better. Thank you, daddy. I know you’re watching. Thanks, mom. Oh my God, I’m crying.
“Everyone that’s here, that’s been by my side, so many years, decades, ñiterally decades but it all started with my parents and they deserve everything so I’m really grateful for them. These are happy tears, I guess. I don’t know.”
Serena went on to thank her sister Venus Williams, her husband, daughter and every other person who helped her along her journey.
“It’s been a fun ride. It’s been the most incredible ride and journey I’ve ever been on in my life,” Williams said. “I’m just so grateful to every single person that’s ever said, ‘Go Serena.’ You got me here.”
Tomljanovic spoke after the match and expressed her sadness over Williams’ retirement.
“I’m feeling really sorry just because I love Serena just as much as you guys do,” Tomljanovic said. “What she’s done for me, for the sport of tennis, is incredible.
“I never thought that I would have a chance to play her in her last match when I remember watching her as a kid in all those finals. This is a surreal moment for me.”
