03.09.2022, USA, New York: Tennis: Grand Slam/WTA-Tour - US Open, Einzel, Damen, 3. Runde, Williams (USA) - Tomljanovic (Australien): Serena Williams formt nacht dem Spiel ihre Hände zu einem Herz. Williams unterliegt im Spiel gegen die Australierin Tomljanovic. Foto: Frank Franklin Ii/AP/dpa +++ dpa-Bildfunk +++

The big Serena Williams show at the US Open is over: The tennis icon from the USA lost her third round duel on Saturday night against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic 5: 7, 7: 6 (7: 4), 1:6 and most likely said goodbye to the sports stage.

The approximately 24,000 fans at New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium gave a fitting farewell to 40-year-old Williams after more than three hours of play. As she thanked her family, the 23-time Grand Slam tournament winner could no longer hold back her tears.

“These are tears of joy, I think,” said the American. “It was a fun trip. I’m just grateful.”

Immediately after her exit, she said about a possible return to the pitch: “I don’t think so, but you never know. I dont know.”

At her expected farewell tournament, Serena Williams had previously raised vague hopes of her 24th Grand Slam title with two surprising victories, with which she could have matched the all-time record of Australian Margaret Court.

Williams announced her retirement a few weeks ago. The day before she had already been eliminated with her sister Venus Williams in what was probably their last joint professional appearance in doubles.

In the men’s category, defending champion Daniil Medvedev continues to be in strong form, the Russian world number one defeated the Chinese qualifier Wu Yibing 6: 4, 6: 2, 6: 2 in the third round. Wu is the first professional-era Chinese male tennis player to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament.

A very difficult task awaits Medvedev in the round of 16: Nick Kyrgios. The Australian Wimbledon finalist also had no problems in the 6: 4, 6: 2, 6: 3 victory against the American Jeffrey John Wolf.