“I’m terrible at goodbyes, the world’s worst. But please know that I am more grateful for you than I can ever express in words. You have carried me to so many wins and so many trophies...”
In an op-ed published online Tuesday by Vogue, tennis legend Serena Williams suggests she will retire from the sport as she prepares for what could be her last US Open.
Williams, 40, is currently participating in the Canadian Open. She is scheduled to participate in next week’s Western and Southern Open before entering the US Open early next month.“I’m not looking for some ceremonial, final on-court moment,” Williams said. “I’m terrible at goodbyes, the world’s worst. But please know that I am more grateful for you than I can ever express in words. You have carried me to so many wins and so many trophies.
Williams has 23 singles Grand Slam titles, one behind Margaret Court for most all-time. She could potentially get to 24 and tie Court at the US Open. “There are people who say I’m not the GOAT because I didn’t pass Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam titles, which she achieved before the ‘open era’ that began in 1968,” Williams said. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want that record. Obviously I do. But day to day, I’m really not thinking about her.”
She also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Venus, who continues to play at the age of 42. She also has won four Olympic gold medals.