Serena Williams’ legendary tennis career likely over after third-round singles’ play loss at US Open
NEW YORK — It was far from a classic at the U.S. Open. On Monday, Serena Williams did not make it through her third-round match, losing a six-hour marathon on a hot day. She came back to face off in the fourth round against the former number one ranked player in the world, who was looking to defend her title.
It took all day Wednesday to play, and Williams was the first one out after losing to qualifier Dominika Cibulkova, leaving the field empty on the court in the afternoon break. Later in the day, the fans booed Williams when she returned to the court for the fourth set of her match against Sharapova. Williams received boos and chants of “You suck” throughout her match.
Williams, who earned her second Grand Slam title on Sunday, didn’t exactly hide her disappointment, saying on Instagram: “Oh wow, so tough day. But I’m glad I got through it. I’m so thankful for everything I have to prove to everyone my greatness. It was a great experience.”
While Williams’ retirement this summer didn’t come as a shock to anyone, it was a shock to people around the world. At 24 years old, she had become one of the most dominant champions in all of tennis. Williams’ best and brightest move after her U.S. Open victory was to announce her retirement at the end of the year.
With her career in doubt after her defeat in the third round at the U.S. Open, many were left wondering if the world would even let Williams continue, considering how long she has been a champion, and how long she has been dominating the sport.
Williams, the only woman in the Open Era to win three Grand Slam titles, has earned more than $100 million from her winnings. She will be 33 years old next year.
Williams will not return to the court until the U.S. Open final on August 26, when she will have her final competitive match.
Even before she was forced out of the U.S. Open, Serena Williams was in a bad spot.
Williams was down a set and a break in her opening match at the U.S. Open before defeating American Casey Dellacqua, who had been the
