Michelle Obama, Coco Gauff and others pay tribute to Serena Williams' tennis career
Serena Williams could be moving on to her next chapter. The 23-time Grand Slam champion played what may be her last professional match on Friday, losing in the third round of the U.S. Open to Ajla Tomljanovic.
"It's been the most incredible ride and journey I've ever been on," Williams said after the match. "I'm just so grateful to every single person that's ever said 'Go Serena' in their life."
The tennis star's possible departure from the game elicited a plethora of social media tributes and responses from celebrities and other athletes, including from the likes of the Obamas, Lebron James and more. Here are just some of the responses:
Former President Barack Obama
The former president congratulated Williams, writing, "Few athletes have inspired more people both in and beyond their sport!"
Congratulations, Serena, for your heart, skill, intelligence, dedication, and grace. Few athletes have inspired more people both in and beyond their sport!
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 3, 2022
Former First Lady Michelle Obama
The former first lady reflected on Williams' career, saying, "How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time."
Congrats on an amazing career, @SerenaWilliams!
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 3, 2022
How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time.
I'm proud of you, my friend—and I can't wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents. pic.twitter.com/VWONEMAwz3
Coco Gauff
The tennis champion shared old pictures with Williams and thanked her.
"It is because of you I believe in this dream," she wrote.
Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and for that I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT! pic.twitter.com/qeNZlC05WJ
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) September 3, 2022
Magic Johnson
The former NBA legend thanked Williams for inspiring young girls, writing, "Serena proves that you can dream bigger than where you came from."
We just witnessed the last US Open for the greatest of all time, Serena Williams!! Serena has meant so much to sports, the game of tennis, the world, every little girl, and even more to every little Black girl across the globe. @serenawilliams #ThankYouSerena
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 3, 2022
Simone Biles
The Olympic gold medalist thanked Williams for her impact on female athletes and athletes of color.
thank you @serenawilliams for transcending sports for black athletes, female athletes and every athlete🤍
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) September 3, 2022
such a pleasure to watch, thanks for being an inspiration
Oprah Winfrey
Winfrey congratulated Williams on "25 years."
25 years. Champion. Shero. Legend forever! @serenawilliams #USOpen pic.twitter.com/xdo4dy4fpP
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 3, 2022
Lebron James
The Lakers star thanked Williams and called her "DOPE!"
#SerenaWilliams THANK YOU 🐐!! You’re so damn DOPE!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🤎 https://t.co/5tSbzz7UHw
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 3, 2022
Viola Davis
The actress shared a video of Williams and described her career as "Greatness."
Beauty. Grace. Legacy. Greatness.
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) September 3, 2022
Thank you, @serenawilliams! 👑❤ pic.twitter.com/pMoqQbl8pq
Jennifer Hudson
The singer and actress shared a photo of Williams from Friday's match and wrote, "U have inspired us all."
Serena !!! U have inspired us all . Thank u for showing us what greatness looks like !@serenawilliams #USOpen2022
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) September 3, 2022
📷: John Minchillo/AP pic.twitter.com/0bcuG4yOhO
Michael Phelps
The 23-time Olympic gold medalist noted Williams' perseverance, calling her "a great example to us all."
It’s truly been fun to watch Serena not only change the sport of tennis, but more importantly, how she’s helped empower the next generation. Her tennis accomplishments speak for themselves, but one of the things I admire about her is she simply doesn’t quit. On or off the court
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) September 3, 2022