The Last Swing: Serena Williams Announces Retirement
posted by Jordan Chigubu | September 20, 2022 | In SportsShortly before the start of the U.S. Open, tennis legend Serena Williams tole Vogue magazine that she was planning on retiring.
Williams has not only broke tennis records (Williams holds the record for most grand slam wins in the open era), but broke so many barriers to the point where more women are eager to play sports because of athletes such as Williams.
After what may be her final match, her opponent at the U.S. Open Australian Ajla Tomljanovic had mixed feelings about the victory some part of her was happy to advance but she was mostly sad because she beat someone to whom she looked up, according to the Associated Press. It truly shows you how much of an inspiration Serena Williams was to the sport of tennis.
There may never be another Serena Williams. Her accolades speak for themselves: winning a record-setting 23 grand slam titles, more than anyone in the open era, winning 16 grand slam doubles (14 with her sister, Venus, and 2 mixed doubles wins) and 4 gold medals at the Olympics (3 in doubles with her sister, and one singles), according to the Sporting News. Williams is also tied for the most Wimbledon titles, generally the most prestigious of the slams, with Steffi Graf. At several times in her career, she completed what has now been called the “Serena Slam” holding all grand slam titles at once. She is also one of only two players (with Graf) to achieve the Golden Slam (win all four grand slams and a gold medal in the Olympics), and the Super Slam (win the Golden Slam and the WTA Championship).
Williams will always be a legend that changed the game of tennis. Her grit and dedication will be forever remembered.
Photo courtsey of Marco Verch
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