SIMPLY THE BEST: Serena Williams Exits US Open With Emotional Farewell Speech + Michelle Obama, Coco Gauff & More Celebrate Her 25-Year Journey

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Simply (and always) the BEST! Serena Williams delivered a tearful farewell speech after losing in the third round of the US Open, a loss that’ll likely mark the end of her professional tennis career. The 23-time Grand Slam winner received tons of love from celebs, including Michelle Obama, Coco Gauff, LeBron James and more, where they salute her 25-years of greatness dominating the sport of tennis.

It’s likely the end of an epic era for the tennis GOAT.

Serena Williams delivered a tearful farewell speech after an upset lost in the third round of the US Open, a defeat that’ll likely mark the end of her professional tennis career. Last month, the 40-year-old mom announced in VOGUE magazine that she plans to “evolve away from tennis” after this year’s US Open to focus on other things that are important to her.

“OMG! Thank you so much, you guys were amazing today. I wish I played a little bit better,” the 23-time Grand Slam champion said during her speech after her loss to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in a thrilling match, 7-5, 6-7 (7-4), 6-1, at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“Thank you daddy, I know you’re watching. Thanks mom,” she said as she fought back tears. “I just thank everyone that’s here, that’s been on my side so many years, decades. Oh my gosh, literally decades,” she said.

”It all started with my parents and they deserve everything, so I’m really grateful for them,” she said as the crowd applauded.

 

She also credited and acknowledged her sister, Venus Williams.

“These are happy tears, I guess! I don’t know. And I wouldn’t be Serena if there wasn’t Venus, so thank you Venus. She’s the only reason Serena Williams ever existed,” she said. Aww!

She thanked her husband, Alexis Ohanian, her sisters, family and everyone who helped her along her incredible journey.

Watch her emotional speech below:

The 3-hour match was intense and will likely become one of the best matches of the tournament. The legendary tennis star fought to the very end. You can check out highlights from the gripping match below:

After the match, Rena’s opponent, Ajla, said she loves the tennis goat just as much as everyone else. Check it:

 

 

“Well, I’m feeling really sorry just because I love Serena just as much as you guys do. And what she’s done for me, for the sport of tennis, is incredible. I never thought that I’d have a chance to play her in her last match when I remember watching her as a kid in all those finals, so this is a surreal moment for me,” she expressed.

 

During the match, Ciara and her husband Russell Wilson were spotted in the stands as they cheered for Serena:

 

 

 

 

Giants running back Saquon Barkley was going through all the emotions during Serena’s game:

 

 

HA!

 

 

Tons of celebs, including FLOTUS Michelle Obama, Coco Gauff, LeBron James, Oprah, and more, shared social media posts to salute Serena’s epic reign in tennis over the last 25 years:

 

 

“Congrats on an amazing career, @SerenaWilliams!,” Mrs. O tweeted. “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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She’s the greatest to ever do it and changed the game of tennis forever.

 

 

We thank you, Serena, for your courage, your grace, your determination, your activism, your incredible worth ethic, which earned you LEGENDARY status. Watching you grow and transform the sport of tennis showed other young, black female athletes that they can be great – not only in tennis – but all sports. You’re a class act both on and off the court and we wish you the absolute best in everything you do!

 

Photo: AP Photo/John Minchillo

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