‘Hard to believe the Serena Williams era is over,’ says top analyst

Barbara Schett says it is ‘hard to believe the Serena Williams era is over’ after the American bowed out at the US Open.

Williams stated before the tournament that the US Open would be her last, and so her 5-7, 6-7, 1-6 defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic has almost certainly brought an end to her wonderful career.

Serena was emotional on court and answered ‘you never know’ when asked if she would reconsider her decision, but until we hear otherwise it is safe to assume she has retired from tennis.

“It’s hard to believe the Serena Williams era is finished, probably the Venus Williams era is finished as well,” Schett told Eurosport.

“It was just unbelievable how she held up such a big fight at the end as well. I don’t know the last time Serena played a match that lasted over three hours, it was such a battle and it took Ajla Tomljanovic six match points – Serena just wanted to stay out there.

“It was amazing how Serena played in those moments [facing the match points], she was so aggressive and came up with some of her best shots actually every single time.

“Serena and Venus have been through thick and thin pretty much whatever happened on the tennis court, off the tennis court, they started this tennis journey when they were little kids.

“I remember when Venus came on tour and said in an interview, ‘just wait until my little sister Serena comes along’ – and we all thought ‘what is she talking about, it’s impossible that someone plays faster and better!’”
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