Serena Williams Sheds ‘Tears of Joy’ in Her Speech As She Bows Out From Career

Serena Williams Sheds ‘Tears of Joy’ in Her Speech As She Bows Out From Career.

Serena Williams shed “tears of joy” during her speech after losing to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the 2022 US Open on Friday night, but left the door open for a possible return.

Williams, 40, became emotional in the postmatch 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 thanked 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.”

When asked if she was having second thoughts about retiring, Serena did not give a definitive answer.

“I’m literally playing my way into this and getting better,” Williams said. “I should have started sooner this year. I don’t think so but you never know. I don’t know.”

"I wouldn't be Serena if there wasn't Venus."

Serena Williams shows love to her sister, Venus 💗 pic.twitter.com/3exRlhMAZZ

— ESPN (@espn) September 3, 2022

Meanwhile, her opponent during the game, Tomljanovic spoke after the match and expressed her sadness over Williams’ retirement, Marca reports.

She said, “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.”

Recall that Meghan Markel’s first podcast launched recently featuring Serena Williams.