For nearly three decades, Serena Williams has been synonymous with greatness, power, and resilience on the tennis court. On Friday night, as the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium glimmered and a global audience watched, Williams played what is expected to be the final match of her legendary career. But it wasn’t just the end of an era that had fans reaching for tissues—it was the way Williams chose to say goodbye, with a heartfelt tribute to her sister Venus and a legacy that transcends sport.

“I Wouldn’t Be Serena If There Wasn’t Venus”

After a hard-fought loss to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the US Open, Williams stepped up to the microphone, her voice trembling with gratitude and emotion. The crowd, already on its feet, fell silent as she turned her thanks toward the person who had been with her from the beginning.

“I wouldn’t be Serena if there wasn’t Venus,” Williams said, tears streaming down her face. “She’s the only reason Serena Williams ever existed.”

It was a moment that brought the stadium—and millions watching around the world—to tears. For years, the Williams sisters have been each other’s fiercest competitors and greatest supporters, rewriting the rules of tennis and breaking barriers for women and Black athletes everywhere.

A Career Like No Other

Williams’s US Open run ended with her signature fighting spirit, but her legacy is untouchable. Over 27 years, she has amassed 23 Grand Slam singles titles, four Olympic gold medals, and countless records. She burst onto the scene in 1999, winning her first major at just 17, and has since become one of the most dominant—and influential—athletes in history.

But Williams’s impact goes far beyond the court. She has become a symbol of strength, perseverance, and unapologetic confidence, inspiring generations of athletes and fans alike.

Tributes Pour In from Around the World

As news of Williams’s retirement spread, tributes poured in from every corner of the globe. Social media platforms lit up with memories, thank-yous, and celebrations of her extraordinary journey.

“Thank you @serenawilliams for transcending sports for Black athletes, female athletes and every athlete,” tweeted Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. “Such a pleasure to watch, thanks for being an inspiration.”

Tennis phenom Coco Gauff, just 18 and already making her own mark on the sport, shared a childhood photo of a Serena poster on her bedroom wall. “Serena, THANK YOU,” she wrote. “It is because of you I believe in this dream.”

Powerful women from all walks of life joined in. “25 years. Champion. Shero. Legend forever,” Oprah Winfrey posted. Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Tiger Woods, and countless others echoed the sentiment: Serena Williams is not just a champion—she’s a cultural icon.

A Reluctant Goodbye

In a recent essay for Vogue, Williams opened up about her decision to step away from tennis, revealing the emotional struggle behind her choice.

“I’ve been reluctant to admit that I have to move on from playing tennis,” she wrote. “I’m terrible at goodbyes, world’s worst. … You have carried me to so many wins and so many trophies. I’m going to miss that version of me, that girl who played tennis. And I’m going to miss you.”

Williams plans to focus on her family and hopes to have another child, but the tennis world will feel her absence deeply.

“These Are Happy Tears”

On court, after her final match, Williams addressed the crowd with a mix of gratitude and disbelief.

“I thank everyone for everyone who’s been on my side for years, decades,” she said, her voice cracking. “These are happy tears. It’s been the most incredible journey I’ve ever been on in my life.”

Even her opponent, Tomljanovic, took a moment to honor Williams. “I love Serena as much as you guys do,” she said. “I just thought she would beat me, you know?”

The Most Tweeted-About Female Athlete of All Time

According to Twitter, Williams is the most tweeted-about female athlete ever. As her US Open journey ended, fans flooded social media with their favorite Serena moments—from her 2007 Australian Open win to her iconic 2015 Sports Illustrated cover.

“THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME! Serena Williams is the GOAT,” one fan tweeted. Another added, “Not listening to no arguments about it. I’m so sorry, that’s mother of all mothers.”

The outpouring of love wasn’t just about her victories, but about the way she changed the game—on and off the court.

An Inspiration for Generations

For Black athletes, for women, for anyone who ever felt like an outsider, Williams’s journey has been a beacon of hope. She has faced adversity, criticism, and injury, but always returned stronger, redefining what it means to be a champion.

“Serena showed us it’s okay to be powerful, to be passionate, to be yourself,” said one longtime fan. “She gave us permission to dream bigger.”

The Williams Sisters: A Bond Beyond Tennis

Serena’s tribute to Venus was more than just a thank you—it was a reminder of the power of sisterhood. Together, the Williams sisters have pushed each other to greatness, while lifting up their community and inspiring millions. Their story is one of love, competition, and unwavering support.

What’s Next for Serena?

While Williams is stepping away from professional tennis, her influence is far from over. She has already made her mark as a businesswoman, philanthropist, and advocate for equality. With more time for her family and new ventures ahead, there’s little doubt that Williams will continue to break barriers and inspire change.

A Farewell, Not a Goodbye

As the stadium lights dimmed and the cheers faded, one thing was clear: Serena Williams’s legacy will endure. She leaves behind a sport forever changed, a generation of athletes who stand on her shoulders, and a world that is better for having witnessed her greatness.

For now, fans, fellow athletes, and celebrities alike are united in gratitude—for the matches, the memories, and, most of all, the example Serena Williams has set for us all.