Tennis star Serena Williams (40) was eliminated in the third round of the US Open. She lost the match against Ajla Tomljanović (29). This means that not only is the Grand Slam tournament over for the American, but also her tennis career. The interview after the game was correspondingly emotional. "It was great fun, it was an incredible journey," said Williams. She will probably not reconsider her resignation announcement, but added: "But you never know. I don't know."

With tears, Serena Williams thanked her family and team: "I thank everyone who is here, who has been by my side for so many years, decades, but it all started with my parents, I'm really grateful to them." A special thank you went to Sister Venus (42): "I wouldn't be Serena if Venus didn't exist. So thank you, Venus! She's the only reason Serena Williams even exists."

There were also words of praise for the audience: "Guys, you were great today," Serena Williams called out to the crowd. The fans, including numerous celebrities, thanked the tennis star with applause and on social media.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama (58) wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations on an amazing career! How lucky we were to see a young girl from Compton grow into one of the greatest athletes of all time. Proud of you, my friend - and I can't wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents."

Golfer Tiger Woods (46) also added on Twitter: "You are literally the greatest on and off the course. Thank you for inspiring us all to pursue our dreams. Love you little sister!!!!!!"

Singer and actor John Legend (43) agreed on his Twitter channel with the following words: "I take my hat off to the greatest of all time. What a captivating final bow. It has been a gift to follow her incredible career."

Actor Samuel L. Jackson (73) wrote about Williams on his account: "You go out the way you came in", followed by three victory fists.

Serena Williams announced in an interview in the September issue of Vogue in early August that her career was about to end. She did not name a date. But "the countdown begins," said Williams, who wanted to look forward to the "next few weeks". Experts and fans then speculated that the US Open might be their last tournament.

This was indicated, among other things, by an Instagram post by the tennis star. In it, Williams referred to her sparkling outfit as a "farewell tournament look."