“It’s been the most incredible ride and journey I’ve ever been on in my life,” Williams, wiping tears, said on court after the match. “I don’t give up,” Williams said. “Definitely wasn’t giving up tonight.”
Williams’ defeat occurred on the same court where she won her maiden major title at the age of 17 in 1999. Fans flocked to Ashe this week to say their goodbyes, but with each match, it became evident that no one wanted to see Williams leave, not from the event she has won six times, and not from tennis. Williams had lost a doubles match with her sister Venus Williams just 24 hours before Friday’s encounter. Serena Williams fought to regain her breath and keep up with the speed of the match as the contest entered the third set on Friday