Serena Williams’ final match captured the world’s attention as numerous public figures took to social media late Friday to honor the game-changing tennis star.
Widely considered to be among the greatest athletes to have ever competed in the sport, Serena was knocked out of the 2022 U.S. Open after losing 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1 in the third round to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City.
Serena, who turns 41 this month, had previously said she was “evolving” away from playing professional tennis following her storied career that included 23 Grand Slam titles, second only to the 24 earned by Margaret Court. After losing Friday, Serena was in tears and said it was unlikely she would reconsider her plan to walk away from the game.
She also praised her family members including older sister and fellow tennis superstar Venus Williams, telling the crowd after the match, “She’s the only reason that Serena Williams ever existed.” The siblings were the subjects of last year’s Warner Bros. feature King Richard, which depicted the players’ younger years and earned Will Smith an Oscar for his role as their father, Richard Williams.
Among the celebrities taking to Twitter after the match to celebrate Serena Williams was Samuel L. Jackson, who praised her effort against Tomljanovic. “You’re going out scrapping, just like you came in,” the actor wrote.
Also weighing in was Michelle Obama, who tweeted, in part, “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. I’m proud of you, my friend — and I can’t wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents.”
Below are a number of other messages from Hollywood and sports notables alike, including John Legend, LeBron James, Jennifer Hudson, Shonda Rhimes, Tiger Woods and Billie Jean King.
