– New York Tiger Woods and former first lady Michelle Obama honored Serena Williams as “the best” on Friday, the day she announced her retirement from tennis.
At the US Open, Williams’ three-set loss to Ajla Tomljanovic was very probably the last match of her 27-year career. Williams was the winner of 23 Grand Slam championships.
Woods, a 15-time golf major champion who was in Serena’s player box for her second round triumph on Wednesday, tweeted, “@serenawilliams you are simply the best on and off the court.”
“We appreciate your encouragement to follow our aspirations. I adore you little sis!”
Throughout the @AustralianOpen | @RolandGarros | @Wimbledon | #USOpen, unforgettable moments were created.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022
Michelle Obama praised Serena’s ascent from the rough Californian neighborhood of Compton to the status of sports and cultural hero.
“Congratulations on a phenomenal career, @SerenaWilliams!” Obama tweeted, “How fortunate we were to witness a little girl from Compton become one of the greatest athletes of all time.”
“I am proud of you, my buddy, and I cannot wait to watch how your abilities continue to change lives.”
NBA great LeBron James referred to Serena as the Greatest of All Time (Greatest Of All Time).
James remarked in a video message, “Congratulations, you had an outstanding career.”
“What you have accomplished for sport and women is unparalleled; it has been an honor to follow your path and see you achieve all your ambitions.
“We knew you were the best whether you won, lost, or tied.”
Magic Johnson, a fellow NBA icon, praised Serena for motivating other Black sportsmen.
“We have just watched Serena Williams’ last US Open!” Johnson wrote, “Serena has meant so much to sports, tennis, the world, every child girl, and much more to every little Black girl throughout the world.”
Oprah Winfrey spoke to Williams as a “hero” and a “legend forever,” while US sprinter Allyson Felix said her accomplishments “will never be forgotten.”
Coco Gauff, who is often seen as Williams’ heir apparent, praised her compatriot for motivating her to take up tennis.
What a journey it has been!
Thanks a lot @serenawilliams image: https://twitter.com/OEURHryJxV
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022
“Serena, THANK YOU. Because of you, I have faith in this dream. Thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT, because the effect you’ve had on me is incomprehensible.
This year, Gauff placed second in the French Open and has already advanced to the fourth round of the US Open.
Andy Roddick, the last American man to win a Grand Slam championship in New York in 2003, said that seeing her play was a “once-in-a-lifetime delight.”
“I cannot wait to see your next move. “Thank you, old buddy,” he said on Twitter.