Athletes and celebrities have heaped tributes on tennis legend Serena Williams after her final match at Flushing Meadows on Friday evening
The 40-year-old Williams bowed out in the third-round of the US Open, losing to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic 5-7, 7-6, 1-6, but, as the Daily Mail put it, at the close of her illustrious career, Williams drew the admiration and attention of all.
The former first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, led the many tributes from across the world.
Obama tweeted: ‘Congrats on an amazing career, @serenawilliams! How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time. I’m proud of you, my friend—and I can’t wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents.’
Tiger Woods, who had also tweeted following her victory on Wednesday to claim it was a ‘privilege to watch greatness’, posted: ‘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!!!!!!’
Tennis icon Billie Jean King tweeted, ‘Her incredible career made its mark on tennis history. And yet her greatest contributions may be yet to come. Thank you, @serenawilliams. Your journey continues.’
‘We just witnessed the last US Open for the greatest of all time, Serena Williams!,’ said Basketball Hall of Fame player Magic Johnson.
‘Serena has meant so much to sports, the game of tennis, the world, every little girl, and even more to every little Black girl across the globe.’
In an Instagram story, Rafael Nadal posted, ‘Thanks @SerenaWilliams for everything you’ve done for our sport!!! Amazing champion.’
[Image: Edwin Martinez, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28397288]