New York: Serena Williams retired from the US Open on Friday after losing to Australia’s Ajra Tomljanovic. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev shattered the dream of defeating China’s young man Wu Heibin’s giant with a crushing victory.
On another night of searing emotion at the main Arthur Ashe Stadium at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, the 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams finally met her match at Tomlyanovic, 7- 5, 6-7 (4/7) Lost 6-1. A battle of attrition lasting over three hours.
The loss was arguably Williams’ last appearance in a Grand Slam singles event, and the 40-year-old American has become a sporting and cultural icon and is believed by many to be the greatest women’s tennis player27. It was the last act of a year-long professional career. in history.
“It’s been a fun ride,” a clearly emotional Williams said in an on-court interview after the loss.
“It was the most amazing ride and trip I have ever done in my life.
“Thank you so much to everyone in my life who said, ‘Go, Serena.’ You brought me here.
Williams has not explicitly announced his retirement, but said in an essay in Vogue magazine last month that he would “evolve” out of tennis after the US Open.
Williams said Friday he is excited about the prospects for life after tennis.
“I’m ready to explore another version of Selena as a mom,” she said.
“I’m still super young technically, so I’d like to live a little bit of my life while I’m still walking.”
Golf superstar Tiger Woods and former First Lady Michelle Obama were among the many admirers who paid tribute to Williams after her U.S. Open loss.
“@serenawilliams, you are literally the best on and off the court,” Woods said.
“Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams.”
‘A great career’
Meanwhile, President Obama paid tribute to Williams, who rose from the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles to the pinnacle of her sport.
“Congratulations @SerenaWilliams on an amazing career! How lucky we were to see a girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time,” Obama tweeted. .
In the other match, Tunisia’s fifth seed Ons Jabbar defeated No. 31 seed Shelby Rogers 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the fourth round in his 10th attempt.
“I know I can’t play my best on hard courts, but it’s always amazing to see how I’m improving and pushing my limits,” Jabbar said.
Jabbar will face 18th seed Veronika Kudermetova of Hungary in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, US teenager Coco Gauff beat compatriot Madison Keys 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the Round of 16.
In the men’s draw, defending champion Medvedev stopped China’s Wu for a big hit in the last 16 against Nick Kyrgios.
Medvedev beat 174th-ranked Wu, who qualified 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.
Medvedev, who won his first Grand Slam title in New York last year, is pleased with his form as the tournament draws to a close.
“If you ask me what I can do better, I don’t know a lot,” he said. “There might be a little less double faults, but that’s if you’re trying to dig somewhere.
“If we continue in this fashion, we will have a good opportunity to do something big.”
Wimbledon runner-up Kyrgios advanced to the fourth round for the first time with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 victory over American JJ Wolfe.
Kyrgios said he is enjoying the opportunity to face Medvedev on the big stage.
“Whether we win or lose, I am proud of what we have achieved so far.” And I think every tennis player wants to have a good income, and I’m looking forward to that.”
