Michelle Obama leads tributes to Serena Williams after US Open defeat | Tennis News – Times of India
US former first lady Michelle Obama and tennis great Billie Jean King led the tributes to Serena Williams after her U.S. Open third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday, likely the final match of her sparkling career.
The 23-times singles Grand Slam champion’s 7-5 6-7(4) 6-1 defeat sparked a flood of messages on social media, as current and former athletes across sport as well as the world at large celebrated her achievements of the last 25 years.
“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,” Obama said in a tweet.
The 23-times singles Grand Slam champion’s 7-5 6-7(4) 6-1 defeat sparked a flood of messages on social media, as current and former athletes across sport as well as the world at large celebrated her achievements of the last 25 years.
“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,” Obama said in a tweet.
Congrats on an amazing career, @SerenaWilliams!How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton gr… https://t.co/w9y4gZdt9z
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) 1662174120000
“I’m proud of you, my friend – and I can’t wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents.”
Former world number one King, who watched on from the stands on Friday, later tweeted that Williams would remain in the spotlight.
“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,” King said.
Her incredible career made its mark on tennis history. And yet her greatest contributions may be yet to come. T… https://t.co/nCF8drtQb0
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) 1662172244000
Swimming great Michael Phelps hailed Williams not only for changing tennis but also empowering the next generation.
“Her tennis accomplishments speak for themselves, but one of the things I admire about her is she simply doesn’t quit,” the Olympic champion said.
It’s truly been fun to watch Serena not only change the sport of tennis, but more importantly, how she’s helped emp… https://t.co/yXyMguMp2n
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) 1662175098000
her will, her strength, her determination…she simply never gives up. She’s a great example to us all. Congrats and thank you, Serena!!
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) 1662175118000
“On or off the court her will, her strength, her determination… she simply never gives up. She’s a great example to us all.”
Williams had credited Tiger Woods on Wednesday as one of the main reasons she was still playing tennis. The golf great, who watched her beat world number two Anett Kontaveit on Wednesday, showered her with praise.
“@serenawilliams 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,” Woods tweeted.
.@serenawilliams you’re literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue ou… https://t.co/1ddCHoNMrF
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) 1662173487000
American world number 12 Coco Gauff said Williams was the reason she kept dreaming.
“The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and for that I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT,” the 18-year-old said, using the abbreviation for “greatest of all time”.
Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words… https://t.co/DVfqvMJKsf
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) 1662173969000
Merci, @serenawilliamsThere will never be another Queen ????#RolandGarros https://t.co/0UCTFLHv5J
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) 1662172015000
Serena Williams held all four majors at the same time.Twice. https://t.co/zILUSiWwDx
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) 1662173138000
Age is not what the body tells you, but what your mind tells the body. Teenagers can solve world’s biggest problems… https://t.co/w50LQeNShf
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 1662182384000
I love you @serenawilliams It’s been the pleasure of a lifetime to watch you become what you have. Can’t wait t… https://t.co/7hTELpEbIq
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) 1662172709000
thank you @serenawilliams for transcending sports for black athletes, female athletes and every athlete???? such a p… https://t.co/T4UO23dAMx
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) 1662185011000
Thanks @serenawilliams!!! ???????????? https://t.co/xgdCHAvDQh
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) 1662171994000
A legacy defined not just by numbers, but the generations she inspired.Thank you, Serena, for making so many fall… https://t.co/VyMyImVTUB
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) 1662181881000
Thank you, Serena ???? ???? ♾ https://t.co/e41cbU1V0C
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 1662175906000
Serena. Thank you for being you and the inspiration to so many men and women. I’ve never seen a more intense comp… https://t.co/ZRd8yUaUc3
— James Blake (@JRBlake) 1662173309000
The goat @serenawilliams ❤️ thank you Serena ❤️ https://t.co/VKLUynps6b
— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) 1662172279000
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