‘Just Serena’: Williams’ upset win at US Open keeps the legend advancing in final days of her storied career
The 41-year-old Briton lost to Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5) and retired after the first set in the women’s final on Tuesday.
It is Williams’ second appearance at Arthur Ashe Stadium and fifth win there this year. She has won 21 matches in a row in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, which is also considered the most prestigious venue in women’s tennis.
Williams has a long history of success in other stadiums, winning 10 titles at the Bank of America Stadium and eight at the Miami City Center, where she was born. Three of her victories were in doubles events at those venues.
“You don’t understand the emotion that it gets you every time you play in this place,” she said. “To play in this grand arena and see the support of my fans on that court is something I don’t take for granted.
“I hope when we get home and reflect on the game, it will be something that I will be forever grateful for.”
With Tuesday’s loss, Williams has dropped two major titles in the past year. She hasn’t reached a Grand Slam final since Roland Garros in 2015, when she lost to Caroline Wozniacki in the semis.
Her win in the 2018 US Open final was the second of her career, after her win in 2017 in the U.S. Open final. That victory came at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens.
Williams has not played in a Grand Slam final at the year’s most prestigious tournament since the 2005 French Open. She will return to Flushing for the first time since winning her first title there.
She is the only player to have won a Grand Slam title in Cincinnati, which also is considered one of the sport’s major events.
She finished off her career with a win in the final Grand Slam of the year on the hard courts at a venue she first played for in 2005.
Serena Williams wins US Open title for the first time in five tries at Arthur Ashe Stadium
At age 41, Williams has won more major titles than any other player.
A year ago, she also became the
