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The curtains had to close on Serena Williams’ illustrious career one way or another, but the way it actually unfolded under the bright lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium Friday night did the superstar’s legacy justice. 

After a highly competitive, three-set match that featured absolutely superb tennis against a player who grew up idolizing her, Williams’ iconic career came to an admirable end with a 7-5, 6-7 (4-7), 6-1 loss to Ajla Tomljanović in front of an adoring crowd. 

What you need to know

New York Post gives Serena Williams back page send off

By Post Staff

A staple of the tennis community and sports world for decades, Serena Williams' career has come to an end at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Top moments in Serena William's amazing career

By Post Staff

Serena Williams has had many triumphs in a long, legendary career.

Here are some of her top moments.

Serena Williams and Martina hingis
Serena Williams wins her first grand slam singles title against Martina Hingis of Switzerland (right), as they pose together with their trophies after their match in the US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center on Sep. 11, 1999. Getty Images
Serena Williams hold trophy.
Serena Williams smiles and poses with her trophy after defeating her sister Venus Williams in the Women's Singles Final of the French Open Tennis Championships at the Stade Roland Garros on June 8, 2002, in Paris, France. Popperfoto via Getty Images
Serena Williams
Serena Williams returns the ball during the women's singles finals of the 2008 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2008. Getty Images
Serena Williams
Serena Williams makes an effort to return a ball during the 2013 China Open at National Tennis Center on October 3, 2013, in Beijing, China. Visual China Group via Getty Ima

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Tennis world explodes and pays tribute to Serena Williams

By Richard Pollina

Serena Williams undoubtedly made her mark in the world of tennis.

Prominent tennis figures and organizations are showing the legend an unconditional amount of love and support on her retirement.

What. A. Career. Simply the greatest of all time! Congrats for an outstanding career @serenawilliams It was a privilege to compete against you. You’ve pushed all of us to become a better player!
All the best Serena pic.twitter.com/nIS03vRwnc

— Sabine Lisicki (@sabinelisicki) September 3, 2022

The goat @serenawilliams ❤️ thank you Serena ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VKLUynps6b

— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) September 3, 2022

Serena. Thank you for being you and the inspiration to so many men and women. I’ve never seen a more intense competitor and it was an honor to share a court with you and watch history. Simply the best. @serenawilliams

— James Blake (@JRBlake) September 3, 2022

Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. 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! pic.twitter.com/qeNZlC05WJ

— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) September 3, 2022

Merci, @serenawilliams

There will never be another Queen 🏆#RolandGarrospic.twitter.com/0UCTFLHv5J

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 3, 2022

A legacy defined not just by numbers, but the generations she inspired.

Thank you, Serena, for making so many fall in love with our sport 💜💚#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/rqjO0IvxaI

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) September 3, 2022

More than tennis.
More than one of the greatest.

You mean more to us than we can say, @serenawilliams 💙

Congrats on a legendary career 👑 pic.twitter.com/9HIY6yABET

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) September 3, 2022

Words cannot describe what #Serena has meant to us all. pic.twitter.com/a4YvBgNhOL

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022

Serena Williams’ legacy bigger than her tennis exploits

By Larry Brooks

Serena Williams will not disappear.

She will simply occupy other areas of our sensibilities.

She will remain a role model to those for whom she opened doors not only to tennis but to grander exploits.

She will continue to make a difference, the same way she and older sister Venus have done since the turn of the century.

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Ajla Tomljanovic admits ending Serena Williams’ career ‘tough to handle’

By Mollie Walker

Ajla Tomljanovic admitted she was extremely nervous prior to the match against Serena Williams, going as far to say she felt a bit fearful.

If she hadn’t said that, no one would’ve ever known.

The 29-year-old was steady, focused and in complete control from start to finish of her first match on Arthur Ashe and her first matchup with Williams, a generational icon to whom she had looked up. 

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Moments from Serena William's final US Open match

By Richard Pollina

Superstar tennis player Serena Williams' career ended after her US Open loss against Ajla Tomljanovic.

The icon's illustrious career attracted record-setting crowds, including many celebrities, in droves to see the legend in action one last time in New York.

Serena Williams.
Serena Williams waves to the crowd after being defeated by Ajla Tomlijanovic in the final match of her illustrious career on September 2, 2022. Getty Images
Serena Williams.
Serena Williams gets emotinal after her final match as she's interviewed in front of a roaring crowd on September 2, 2022. Getty Images
Serena Williams shaking hands.
Serena Williams shakes hands with Ajla Tomljanovic after she was defeated by the Australian in the final match of her career on September 2, 2022. USA TODAY Sports
Venus Williams.
Venus Williams gets emotional as Serena Williams thanks her during her interview after her final match of her career on September 2, 2022. USA TODAY Sports
Russ and Se
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara watch as Serena Williams plays her final match. Getty Images
Spike Lee.
Spike Lee cheers on Serena Williams as she plays the final match of her career on September 2, 2022. Getty Images
Bella Hadid.
Bella Hadid looks visibly shocked after Serena is eliminated on September 2, 2022. Jackson Lee
Saquon Barkley.
Saquon Barkley claps as Serena Williams waves to the crowd after being eliminated from the US Open, putting an end to her career on September 2, 2022. GC Images
Bob Kraft.
New England Patriot owner Robert Kraft was in attendance for Serena Williams final match on September 2, 2022. Getty Images
Ben Simmons.
Ben Simmins watches as Serena plays the final match of her career on September 2, 2022. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Po

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World reacts to Serena Williams' historic career

Despite falling short in the U.S. Open Friday, Serena Williams was lauded for a historic career that's spanded decades.

Tiger Woods, Michelle Obama and Billie Jean King offered words of acclaim for the tennis legend.

Thank you, #Serena. pic.twitter.com/uOoxOZomd8

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) September 3, 2022

.@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!!!!!!

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 3, 2022

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. #serena#USOpenhttps://t.co/0wDFfRN3Dq

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 3, 2022

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.

I'm proud of you, my friend—and I can't wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents. pic.twitter.com/VWONEMAwz3

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 3, 2022

Y’all give it up to her yo!!! She did what had to be done!! Y’all got to remember she was watching Serena as a child! All of us had this dream to compete like our idols. So bravo @Ajlatom@usopen@serenawilliamspic.twitter.com/Yz9UxTkEWd

— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) September 3, 2022

Watching Serena play makes you want to do more, work harder, and keep going.

But the greatness of her, is that it doesn’t end on the court. She brings that special something to every arena.

Tonight is the beginning of a next chapter and like clock work she’ll inspire us again. pic.twitter.com/MrKWoyqvR5

— Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (@malcolmkenyatta) September 3, 2022

Thank you, Serena, for inspiring so much awe for so long. You are The Greatest.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) September 3, 2022

Serena Williams about losing: 'This has been the most incredible ride'

Serena Williams took out the time to thank those that made her career after losing to Ajla Tomljanovic Friday.

"[My parents] deserve everything. I'm so grateful for them," Williams said while breaking down. "These are happy tears."

Serena Williams of the United States thanks the fans after being defeated by Ajla Tomlijanovic.
Serena Williams of the United States thanks the fans after being defeated by Ajla Tomlijanovic. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
Serena Williams of the United States reacts in the third set against Ajla Tomlijanovic of Australia.
Serena Williams of the United States reacts in the third set against Ajla Tomlijanovic of Australia. Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

The tennis legend then went to give out a heartfelt thank you to her sister, Venus.

"This has been the most incredible ride and journey I've ever been on," Williams said.

When asked about her retirement, Williams said "you never know" about coming back.

Alja Tomljanovic ends Serena Williams' historic career

Alja Tomljanovic finished off Serena Williams' career, and time at the U.S. Open, on Friday.

The Australian tennis star won the first set 7-5 before clinching the match 6-1.

Alja Tomljanovic closing in on finishing off Serena Williams

Serena Williams' career may be coming to a close.

Alja Tomljanovic took a 5-1 lead in the third set.

Williams previously split the first two sets with Tomljanovic, which led to a third set.

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