Serena Williams bursts into tears following US Open exit but leaves door ajar for potential return

Serena Williams burst into tears following her career-ending defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third-round of the US Open.

The American thanked her family, including father Richard and mother Oracene, before breaking down on the center of Arthur Ashe stadium.  

‘Thank you Daddy, I know you’re watching. Thanks Mom. Oh my God,’ Williams said post-match, beginning to cry.

‘I just thank everyone that’s here, that’s been on my side, so many year, decades, oh my gosh literally decades. 

‘But it all started with my parents and they deserve everything so I’m really grateful for them.’

Williams then went on to mention her elder sister and inspiration, Venus, for her instrumental role in the 23-time grand slam singles champion’s career.

‘I wouldn’t be Serena if it wasn’t [for] Venus, so, thank you, Venus. She’s the only reason that Serena Williams ever existed.’

Despite tearing up on the court, Williams insisted they were ‘happy tears.’ 

Naturally, Williams was overwhelmed with emotion, but remained reflective and indeed philosophical following the dramatic three-set, 7-5. 6-7, 6-1 loss to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic.   

‘It’s been a fun ride, it’s been most incredible ride and journey I’ve ever been in my life. 

‘And I’m just so grateful to every single person that’s ever said “go Serena” in life. I’m just so grateful because it got me here.’

When asked if this was truly the final chapter to a trophy-filled, multiple-decade career, Williams provided Arthur Ashe with some comic relief before largely confirming her previous commentary on the matter.

‘I’m literally playing my way into this and getting better. I should’ve started sooner this year!

‘I don’t think so. But you never know. I don’t know.’ 

It is unlikely that Williams would indeed return to professional tennis given her burning ambition to ‘evolve’ and grow her family, yet stranger things have occurred.

‘Thank you everyone.

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