Serena Williams’ legendary tennis career likely over after third-round singles’ play loss at US Open
It’s been a roller-coaster month for the tennis superstar Serena Williams.
Williams, 32, was supposed to play a crucial match against Simona Halep at the US Open on Friday, but she withdrew due to tendinitis. Prior to that she had played two more matches and lost them, including a heartbreaking third-round loss at the French Open that caused her early exit from the year-end slam.
Then on Wednesday, she began her quest to reach a fourth French Open singles title on clay when she lost 7-5, 6-1, 6-7 to Caroline Wozniacki in the third round.
Despite winning 25 of 26 major singles titles since turning professional, Williams has often struggled with injuries and has not had to play competitively in more than two years.
Now she will be forced to decide whether she’s playing or not. She has been advised to rest for a couple of weeks to get ready for next month’s Brisbane International.
The American Open, as noted above, is not scheduled to begin until August 3.
“I’m not looking at the last few months as being the end of my tennis career,” Williams said in a statement after her loss. “I can’t think of a time in my life that I’ve been more content.
“I’m a very proud champion, and I continue to be inspired by the incredible support and love I receive from my fans, my fellow competitors, my coaching staff and my family. I’m also thankful for the support and prayers of the Williams Foundation and the players that I work with, and I’ve never shied away from getting help or support whenever I’ve needed it,” she said.
Williams started her career as a wildcard entry into the 2007 Australian Open. She proceeded to win three singles titles in Australia, including the 2004 title at the Brisbane International, before going on a run