US Open: Serena Williams’ glorious career comes to an end after 3rd round defeat

23-time Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams has been eliminated from the US Open in the 3rd round by Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic.

The 6-time US Open Champion fought hard, saving five match points but she couldn’t survive the sixth. She eventually lost the match in three sets, 5-7, 7-6, 1-6.

Also read: Relive Serena's most memorable on-court moments

Having announced in August how she was ready to bid farewell to professional tennis after the US Open, the defeat marked the end of a glorious career for the 40-year-old sporting and cultural icon.

At the end of the match, when asked if she would reconsider her decision to retire, a tearful Serena Williams replied, “I don’t think so, but you never know.”

Amid the emotional scenes, Serena waved her fans and illustrious career goodbye with a signature twirl at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the place where it all started for her with her first major triumph back in 1999.

It was truly the end of an era!