Inside Serena Williams’ closing month in tennis

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By linda
Inside Serena Williams’ closing month in tennis
22

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NEW YORK — After one final week of her signature magic, Serena Williams‘ legendary taking part in profession got here to an finish Friday evening with a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic on the US Open in entrance of practically 24,000 followers.

The match capped the conclusion of a whirlwind 3½ weeks since Williams revealed her future plans, crammed with numerous tributes and record-setting crowds. From her announcement in Vogue till her closing, emotional information convention, this is what went on in entrance of and away from the cameras.

Aug. 9: Toronto

8:41 a.m.: The morning after taking part in in simply her second match of the season, a first-round conflict in Toronto, Williams introduced her impending retirement — or “evolution” — in a first-person essay in Vogue. She indicated the US Open could be her closing event.

“There isn’t any happiness on this subject for me,” Williams wrote. “I do know it is not the same old factor to say, however I really feel quite a lot of ache. It is the toughest factor that I may ever think about. I hate it.

“I hate that I’ve to be at this crossroads. I maintain saying to myself, I want it could possibly be straightforward for me, but it surely’s not. I am torn: I do not need it to be over, however on the identical time I am prepared for what’s subsequent.”

Aug. 10: Toronto

8:41 p.m.: A day after making her reveal, Williams lost in her second-round match in Toronto to Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-4. After the match she was given an on-court ceremony. She was emotional as she addressed the group.

“It has been a fairly attention-grabbing 24 hours,” Williams stated. “I am horrible at goodbyes however goodbye, Toronto!”

Aug. 14: Cincinnati

10:53 p.m.: Williams’ first-round match in opposition to reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu had been introduced for Monday, the opening day of play. However when the draw was revealed for the Western & Southern Open, the match was absent when the order of play was launched late Sunday evening — a lot to the outrage of many followers who had purchased tickets and organized journey particularly to look at their conflict.

A event spokesperson stated the change was as a consequence of “quite a few elements associated to scheduling.” Followers later advised ESPN they weren’t capable of get a refund or given an choice to change their tickets to Tuesday.

Aug. 15: Cincinnati

11 a.m.: There was at the least a comfort prize for these followers in attendance on Monday hoping to look at Williams: Lots of turned out to look at her on Follow Court docket No. 16. As one fan tweeted after the session: “I simply watched Serena follow (in individual) and you’d suppose I simply watched her win the US Open with how glad I’m.”

Aug. 16: Cincinnati

4:31 p.m.: A number of hundred followers crammed to catch a glimpse of Serena’s follow, but once more on Court docket 16. Some had been standing on benches, others jockeying for area close to the courtroom, and nonetheless others wanting on from the highest ranges of the close by Grandstand courtroom.

There have been frequent “We love you, Serena!” cheers and makes an attempt at selfies along with her within the background. One girl loudly proclaimed watching Williams, even simply in follow, was a “bucket record merchandise fulfilled.” When the session was over, after 32 minutes, Williams waved to the group as she walked off the courtroom.

5:08 p.m.: Williams was formally introduced as an investor in Venus’ Blissful Viking model, a plant-based diet firm, as a part of a “milestone funding spherical,” in response to a information launch.

7:11 p.m.: With a near-capacity crowd within the stands — together with four-time main champion Naomi Osaka — and after days of hype, Williams took the courtroom to face Raducanu. She obtained a standing ovation as she walked out of the tunnel. Regardless of the response, she confirmed little emotion forward of the match, not even a touch of a smile in her prematch {photograph} at web with Raducanu. However she could not totally cover her frustration as she fell into an early 4-1 gap.

8:19 p.m.: Williams made a valiant effort to come back again within the first set — profitable three of the 4 video games after the early deficit — but it surely wasn’t sufficient. And the second set was all Raducanu.

Finally, Williams was handed the 6-4, 6-0 loss in 65 minutes. It marked the third-fewest video games Williams had received in a accomplished match in 15 years. Whereas there had been hypothesis there could be an on-court farewell ceremony for Williams after the match, she as a substitute rushed to seize her bag and headed virtually instantly to the exit.

As she neared the tunnel she was stopped by the on-court interviewer, however she appeared to wave him off and continued to stroll. A microphone that had been arrange throughout the courtroom from the place Raducanu was on the brink of do her interview was then eliminated.

8:57 p.m.: Event officers confirmed Williams wouldn’t be holding a information convention following her loss. At that time, she hadn’t spoken to the media since making her announcement.

Aug. 17: Cincinnati

Night: Williams was noticed at Cincinnati restaurant Carlo & Johnny. Charlie Bledsoe, the final supervisor, posted an image of Serena on the institution the next morning.

Aug. 23: New York

9 a.m.: Joined by world No. 3 Maria Sakkari, Williams had her first practice of the US Open on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Along with her coach Eric Hechtman, whom she began working with forward of Wimbledon, former player-turned-coach and ESPN analyst Rennae Stubbs was additionally on courtroom as a part of the group for the primary time.

Williams’ canine Chip additionally made an look, a lot to Sakkari’s shock.

12:13 p.m.: Spotify launched the primary episode of the brand new podcast collection, “Archetypes,” from Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Cambridge, and it featured an interview with Williams. The 2, who’re longtime pals, mentioned ambition, balancing a profession with motherhood and Williams’ retirement.

“I simply wished to only stroll away quietly,” Williams revealed about her preliminary plans. “And that is how I’ve at all times seen my profession. Similar to, all proper, I wished to depart with no goodbyes.”

Aug. 24: New York

9 a.m.: Williams and her group had been again on the courtroom at Ashe, in entrance of a small group of followers, however this time along with her Eastbourne doubles associate Ons Jabeur. It was a spirited session, and Jabeur later advised reporters she felt “very fortunate” to have gotten a possibility to get to know and play with Williams.

Aug. 27: New York

9:30 a.m.: Three days earlier than the beginning of the US Open, Williams rang the bell on the New York Inventory Alternate to rejoice her enterprise capitalist agency “Serena Ventures,” aimed toward funding underrepresented entrepreneurs.

“It was unbelievable to see the room crammed with photographs of our founders showcasing our range,” Williams later stated concerning the day.

Afternoon: Williams introduced the loss of life of her 18-year-old canine and fixed companion Lauerlei with a publish on Instagram. “She was the smallest but hardest little pup and I’ll miss her… a lot,” Williams wrote in part. “Actually the tip of an Period.”

Aug. 28: New York

11 a.m.: Whereas Angel Metropolis FC homeowners Alexis and Olympia Ohanian — also called Williams’ husband and daughter — attended the team’s game in opposition to Gotham FC in Harrison, New Jersey, Williams had her final follow session on Ashe earlier than the event acquired underway and frolicked cracking jokes on courtroom along with her longtime pal (and rumored ex-boyfriend) Grigor Dimitrov.

Aug. 29: New York

7:03 a.m.: Time journal launched its newest challenge with Williams on the cover and an accompanying caption that merely learn: “The Biggest.” Within the article, Williams admitted she had been glad concerning the progress she had remodeled the summer time and already knew she could be second-guessing her determination come the Australian Open.

“I can see my enchancment, and I am like, ‘Dang, I will be good in January,'” she stated.

9:35 a.m.: Earlier than play acquired underway on the US Open, there already was a palpable buzz across the grounds for Williams’ match. A number of distributors stood outdoors the doorway promoting T-shirts commemorating her profession. One learn “Farewell Serena Williams” and one other stated “GOAT” on the again and listed a number of of her accomplishments. They value $20 (or two for $30). One vendor stated he often bought related merchandise outdoors of concert events however not often on the US Open.

12:34 p.m.: Williams’ match look was revealed by Nike. Impressed by figure-skating clothes, and initially with six layers to symbolize her six US Open titles, the sparkly ensemble was paired with diamond-encrusted sneakers that learn “Queen” and “Mama” on the shoelaces.

Olympia was later revealed to be carrying an identical gown for the match, and had her hair in braids and beads as a tribute to her mother’s early US Open appearances.

6:14 p.m.: With diamonds in her hair and 1000’s of followers surrounding all areas of the follow courts and cheering her identify, Williams attended her closing follow earlier than her first-round match. She gave buddy and retired former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, who was watching from the closest sideline, a hug earlier than she began to hit. Then she had a relaxed session along with her group for 33 minutes earlier than leaving to alter and do different last-minute preparations within the locker room forward of her match.

There have been fixed yells of “We love you, Serena!” and “Good luck, Serena!”

7:20 p.m.: With seemingly each individual within the file crowd of 29,402 on their ft and pointing their telephones to the doorway tunnel, Williams was launched to the group forward of her match in opposition to Danka Kovinic with a video tribute, narrated by Queen Latifah, and was then referred to as the “biggest of all time” as she walked onto the courtroom.

In the stands are a slew of A-list superstars, together with former President Invoice Clinton, Spike Lee, Gayle King, Laverne Cox, Bella Hadid, Gladys Knight and even Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff.

7:31 p.m.: With “Let’s go, Serena!” chants reverberating, Williams gave the group loads of moments to cheer about all through the 100-minute match. Finally, thanks partly to her signature serving prowess, Williams recorded the 6-3, 6-3 victory.

After the ultimate level, she clenched her fists and hopped in celebration as the group roared. After shaking palms with Kovinic seconds later, she gave a trademark twirl and waved.

9:16 p.m.: The event had introduced there could be an on-court ceremony honoring Williams’ profession, win or lose, following the match. With Gayle King because the host, the show featured a tribute from Billie Jean King, in addition to a video narrated by Oprah Winfrey.

“Thanks for displaying us what it means to come back again and for by no means, ever backing down,” Winfrey stated. “Thanks for altering the face of the sport, for uplifting the subsequent era. Thanks for considering outdoors the traces and inspiring us to evolve. Thanks for displaying us find out how to love the game, and for at all times loving us again.”

10:21 p.m.: Chatting with the media for the primary time since making her announcement, Williams referred to as the reception from the group “actually overwhelming,” however stated it was a sense she would “always remember.” Whereas she mirrored on her profession and the longer term, she hedged barely when requested if the US Open would undoubtedly be her closing event. “‘I have been fairly imprecise about it, proper?” she stated. “I’ll keep imprecise since you by no means know.”

Aug. 31: New York

5:40 p.m.: With one other massive crowd eagerly hoping to catch a glimpse, and the diamonds nonetheless glittering in her hair, Williams arrived on the follow courtroom to cheers and a slew of cameras following her each transfer.

Whereas different star gamers, resembling Gauff and 2019 champion Bianca Andreescu, and celebrities like former two-time NBA MVP-turned-Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash, walked across the space in relative anonymity, safety guards cleared the trail for Serena’s entrance and even quickly closed the close by entrance to the grounds within the moments earlier than she arrived.

As soon as she started follow, Venus, who had been utilizing the courtroom, remained on the facet of the courtroom, chatting with Wozniacki and her husband, David Lee. A handful of lower-ranked gamers stopped and tried to be discreet as they took photographs of Williams from throughout the follow courts. After simply over a half-hour on the courtroom, Williams headed into the locker room to arrange for the match, strolling off alone and giving two waves to the group.

7:16 p.m.: Once more launched to the group because the “biggest of all time,” and with one other rowdy, sold-out crowd behind her, Williams confirmed no indicators of an emotional hangover, nor of being intimidated by Anett Kontaveit’s No. 2 rating.

In a hard-fought battle of huge hitting and prolonged rallies, the primary set went to a tiebreak, which Williams finally clinched with an ace. The second set was dominated by Kontaveit and Williams instantly regarded fatigued, however after a break forward of the decider, Williams raised her degree and located one other gear. She took management throughout the closing set, and the group reached a fever pitch.

9:43 p.m.: Your complete stadium seemingly jumped collectively on its ft, and Tiger Woods raised his arms above his head in triumph from Serena’s participant field, as Williams received the match after two hours and 27 minutes. She did not give as a lot of a smile till after she met Kontaveit on the web. Solely then did Williams stroll again onto the courtroom and provides a twirl, and she or he could not cease smiling.

“It is no rush right here,” Williams advised ESPN’s Mary Joe Fernandez on courtroom. “I am loving this crowd. Oh my goodness. It is actually incredible. So there’s a little bit left in me.”

10:47 p.m.: Joined by a number of members of her entourage, together with sister Isha Value and agent Jill Smoller — carrying a Gucci jacket that learn “Faux” on the entrance and “Not” on the again — Williams was in a jovial temper as she spoke to reporters in her information convention. She made jokes about her rest room break — insisting she did not go “No. 2” — and shared how a lot enjoyable she was having, calling her outcomes “a bonus.”

However regardless of knocking off the No. 2-ranked participant on the earth, Williams shortly downplayed any questions on her probabilities of profitable main title No. 24.

“I can’t suppose that far,” she stated. “I am right here, like I stated. I am having enjoyable and I am having fun with it. Actually, I’ve had so many robust matches the final I do not understand how lengthy that I simply really feel like simply being ready for everybody that I play is simply going to be actually, actually troublesome.”

Sept. 1: New York

5:11 p.m.: With one other packed crowd ready to look at her, Williams arrived on the follow courtroom for a coaching session with Venus. There have been no different gamers remaining on the follow courts when Serena arrived, and seemingly each eye was on her as she made her method to the courtroom.

Not like her two earlier practices forward of her matches, Williams appeared barely extra relaxed and even smiled and acknowledged the group whereas getting into. A extra stoic Venus appeared about 90 second later, additionally to nice fanfare. The 2 had been gradual to start hitting, taking a number of minutes to stretch and prepare, and finally spent a lot of their time on the courts subsequent to one another hitting individually. Frequent “We love you, Serena” and “Let’s go, Venus!” cheers are heard all through.

7:07 p.m.: Earlier than the sisters took the courtroom for his or her match in opposition to Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova, a video narrated by Questlove was performed for the group celebrating their joint accomplishments. Moments later, the 2 walked out whereas 2Pac and Dr. Dre’s “California Love” performed. Whereas this was clearly a celebration of the 2 in some ways, it was obvious each had been taking the match severely and each confirmed little emotion.

7:20 p.m.: The match started as one other star-studded crowd, together with Billie Jean King, Adam Silver and Anna Wintour, regarded on. Whereas they hadn’t performed doubles collectively in over 4 years, their ease and luxury with each other was shortly on show, they usually exchanged realizing glances and supportive phrases after each level. The 2 misplaced the 72-minute first set in a tiebreak and struggled to search out momentum within the second. Finally they lost the match 7-6 (5), 6-4.

9:25 p.m.: Serena and Venus shared a hug on the courtroom as followers stood in ovation when the match ended, each realizing this is able to probably be the final time they ever competed alongside each other. There was no formal ceremony, nor did they take part in an interview on the courtroom or in a information convention, however everybody cheered as they left the courtroom collectively.

Hradecka even apologized to the group after the victory throughout an on-court interview. “I am so sorry for you that we beat them, however we’re so glad that we did it.”

Sept. 2: New York

5:45 p.m.: Precisely quarter-hour after her follow was initially slated to start, Williams walked alone as she made a fashionably late entrance to the follow courts. There have been 1000’s of followers in all places hoping to look at — crammed into the seats, pushed up across the fences, and even in a line that wound across the facility. Many by no means acquired their likelihood to truly see her, as her follow lasted simply over half-hour, however everybody within the space cheered loudly when she made her manner off.

7:08 p.m.: Williams took the courtroom for her match in opposition to Ajla Tomljanovic after an up to date video montage performed, together with photographs and highlights from the week. But once more, she stored a poker face as she readied for the match.

7:17 p.m.: There was an energized environment earlier than the match, with followers screaming and cheering and 1000’s of digital camera telephones pointed towards Williams as she opened the match on serve. Tomljanovic, nevertheless, was clearly ready for the second and never rattled by the group, nor her opponent throughout the web. She took the 49-minute first set 7-5.

9:31 p.m.: After opening the second set with a 4-0 run, a decider regarded all however assured for Williams. However Tomljanovic made Williams work for it, staving off 4 set factors within the nine-deuce eighth recreation of the set. Finally the set, and destiny of the match, was determined by a tiebreak. Williams received and the stadium erupted.

10:22 p.m.: After the extremely bodily second set, Williams did not have a lot left within the tank for the decider. She received the primary recreation, however Tomljanovic rattled off the subsequent 5. With a 5-1 lead, and serving for the match, Tomljanovic regarded able to punch her ticket to the fourth spherical — however Williams wasn’t able to concede simply but. She discovered just a few closing moments of magic, and gave it all the things she had.

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Serena Williams’ unbelievable US Open run involves an finish within the third spherical as she falls to Ajla Tomljanovic within the third set.

It wasn’t sufficient. Tomljanovic wanted six match factors however eventually sealed the win 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1. Williams instantly went to the web to congratulate her.

10:25 p.m.: After briefly protecting her face with a towel, Williams walked again on courtroom to speak to ESPN’s Fernandez. It took just a few seconds earlier than she started to cry.

“Thanks Daddy, I do know you are watching. Thanks Mother,” she stated as her voice broke. “Everybody that is right here, that is been on my facet, for many years, actually many years…

“These are glad tears, I suppose. I do not know. And I would not be Serena if there wasn’t Venus, so thanks, Venus. She’s the one cause Serena Williams ever existed. … It has been a enjoyable trip. It has been essentially the most unbelievable trip of my life.”

However she did not fully shut down the concept of a future comeback: “I do not suppose so, however you by no means know.”

10:29 p.m.: Williams made a coronary heart gesture along with her palms and gave one closing wave to the group earlier than strolling off the courtroom as Tina Turner’s “Merely the Greatest” performed over the loudspeaker.

10:55 p.m.: Williams gave one closing information convention to a packed room. There have been tears and she or he did not attempt to conceal her feelings. She shared her plans to spend extra time along with her daughter, and her hopes to “discover a unique model of Serena.” When requested once more about the potential for a comeback, she made the complete room chuckle along with her response.

“I am not eager about that. I at all times did love Australia, although.”

11:06 p.m.: With lots of her household and pals within the room, Williams thanked everybody in attendance after which acquired up from her seat. She regarded one final time across the room after which headed for the exit.



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