The quotes of 2022, episode 16: The departing Serena thanks Venus

At the end of October 1997, in Moscow, Serena Williams played her first match on the main circuit. Almost 25 years later, at the 2022 US Open, it was her last. After an epic final match – losing 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1 on September 3 to Ajla Tomljanovic – she (most likely) said goodbye to tennis.

“Thank you, Daddy. I know you’re watching. Thanks, Mom,” she said tearfully during her on-court interview.

“I just thank everyone that’s here, that’s been on my side for so many years, decades, literally decades. It all started with my parents, and they deserve everything, so I’m really grateful for them.

“These are happy tears, I guess, I don’t know!

“I wouldn’t be Serena if there wasn’t Venus. Thank you, Venus. She’s the only reason Serena Williams ever existed.”

Her older sister, too, couldn’t hold back the tears.

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