Serena Williams: tennis will not be the same

[Theramo]

Serena announced she will retire after US Open.

An incredible athlete, introduced power play in womens tennis, 23 grand slams - highest for current players (men and women), below only Court (mind you, some of Court's wins were before tennis became professional), polarising yet role model for many young women from similar(to hers) backgrounds.

AIBU to believe she is the best tennis player ever

Ah thanks @KillingMeDeftly I couldnt remember which one. DS1 was born in 2017 and I just remember thinking how awful I felt in the first trimester (to be fair I did suffer from HG but in general growing a placenta amongst other things is bloody tiring!) and there she was beating other worldclass athletes! Hero

This. Well said. I will miss seeing her play, she has earned her place in tennis history.🎾

Is this really your take-away from SW contribution to tennis?

Initially I really disliked her. Her style of play which was very powerful and the way she just blew everyone off the court and dominated with strength-based play to me was not an enjoyable match. I also disliked her arrogance and the personality she showed at press conferences etc. But then like it does with all of us, time and life slapped her around a bit, she matured and grew up and started to be a thoughtful, likeable and relatable character....and now I really like and support her! Wishing her the best in the next phase of her life....Im sure it will be exciting and worthwhile.

She's certainly the best female tennis player we've ever seen. Maybe the best, male or female, in terms of impact and visibility for the sport.

Really didn't like that business of her throwing the hissy fit with Naomi Osaka.

All tennis players have their low points, Serena included, but I think she's had far more highs than lows in her career. Not only did she and Venus take the women's game to the next level but they have done so much to promote it too, and get people to see it isn't just a sport for rich white players.

Love her! YANBU

If anyone gets to be arrogant, it’s her!

Much to be arrogant about, I’d say.

Donald Trump is arrogant.
Vladimir Putin is arrogant.
Ryan Giggs is arrogant.

Serena Williams is confident. 💖

She really changed the game.

The Court record wasn't ever a marker of greatness to me. Half of her Australian titles were won before the Open Era and if you look at the draws on Wikipedia they're small and basically full of local players - nothing like the best competition of the time or the competition Serena had to beat 23 times. Hate that the media banged on about it (with Serena's help to be fair).

Serena's off-court impact is also huge and positive, compared to Court's off-court impact which is to be a homophobic witch who embarrasses everyone in tennis.

She is ace, yes I would say GOAT.