At a press conference during the Cincinnati tournament, Stan Wawrinka was asked to comment on the news of Serena Williams‘ retirement. The Swiss praised Serena, explaining: “I think Serena Williams has been a perfect ambassador for tennis, having helped to increase the popularity of our sport around the world.
All sports lovers cannot help but pay tribute to her. I have always been a huge fan of her and we shared some great moments. It will be sad not to see her on the circuit again after the US Open. I remember that in 2015 we both won Roland Garros and we had a lot of fun that night.”
Greg Rusedski also spent beautiful words for Serena: “As much as she hurts, I understand her decision to retire. Her first Grand Slam triumph dates back to 1999, 23 years have passed. infinite. It would be great if she retired by winning the US Open like Pete Sampras did.
The audience will cheer her on from the first to the last point, putting her opponents in an awkward position.”
Serena and her goodbye to tennis
Through an article published in Vogue, Serena Williams announced her imminent retirement from tennis.
The American legend, who won her first Slam in 1999, wants to spend more time with her family and focus on other projects. Despite not having indicated a precise date, the former WTA number 1 has hinted that the US Open 2022 will be her last professional tournament.
Barring a sensational backlash in New York, Williams will not be able to match Margaret Court’s record of 24 Slams. Serena has played very little in the last two seasons and seemed very far from the glories of the past.
She wrote on Instagram: “It’s never easy to leave something you love madly. I love tennis, but it’s time to take a different direction. I will enjoy these last few weeks on the court and then a new chapter in my life will begin.”
