In 2022, tennis legend Serena Williams played her final competitive match on the WTA Tour.
Serena, an icon of tennis, played her last match against Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the 2022 US Open, losing the contest 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.
Her exit from the sport triggered an outpouring of emotion from fans and peers. Understandably so after a career that spanned almost 27 years.
After her final match, Tiger Woods – a 15-time major golf champion – sent a message of support to the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
Tiger Woods congratulated ‘little sis’ Serena Williams
After losing to Tomljanovic, Woods posted a congratulatory message on X [Twitter.]
He said: “Serena Williams, you’re literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!”
Recently, Serena had been rumoured to be making a return to professional tennis after she had re-registered with the sport’s drug-testing body, the International Tennis Integrity Agency [ITIA].
However, the American has since vehemently denied that she will be making a return.
Whether or not Serena returns to the sport is a debate that will roll on. What cannot be debated is her standing in the game.
She is simply the best female tennis player of all time, and perhaps the greatest player in the history of our sport – male or female.
Serena Williams’ first professional match
The American played in her first professional event at the Bell Challenge in Quebec City, Canada.
Williams, who was 14 years old, received a wildcard entry to play in the first round of the qualifying draw.
The future world number one lost to compatriot Anne Miller 6-1, 6-1. Miller reached the second round of the main draw before losing to Julie Halard-Decugis 6-3, 7-6.
Brenda Schultz-McCarthy won the tournament, defeating Dominique Monami 7-6, 6-2 in the final.
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