Michelle Obama praised Serena Williams as “one of the greatest athletes of all time” as the tennis superstar played what was likely to be her final professional match.
The former first lady led tributes to her friend and her “amazing career,” saying she would go on to “transform lives” with her talents.
Famous faces including Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Hudson and Tiger Woods also hailed Williams as a “legend forever”.
Congrats on an amazing career, @SerenaWilliams!
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
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 3, 2022
The multi-grand slam winner bowed out of the third-round of the US Open tournament on Friday night after losing in three sets to Ajla Tomljanovic.
The tournament is expected to be her last, with her previous victories against Danka Kovinic and Anett Kontaveit giving fans hope her swansong could have a fairy-tale ending.
But, despite a memorable second-set fightback in a raucous atmosphere, there will be no record-equalling 24th grand slam singles title, with Williams succumbing to a 7-5 6-7 (4) 6-1 loss.
25 years. Champion. Shero. Legend forever! @serenawilliams #USOpen pic.twitter.com/xdo4dy4fpP
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 3, 2022
“Congrats on an amazing career, @SerenaWilliams!” Obama tweeted.
“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.”
Serena !!! U have inspired us all . Thank u for showing us what greatness looks like !@serenawilliams #USOpen2022
?: John Minchillo/AP pic.twitter.com/0bcuG4yOhO
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) September 3, 2022
US talk show hoist Winfrey added: “25 years. Champion. Shero. Legend forever!”
Multi-award winning actress Hudson, who recently achieved the coveted Emmy, Grammy, Oscot and Tony (EGOT) award status, wrote: “Serena !!! U have inspired us all .
“Thank u for showing us what greatness looks like!”
“May you feel the love tonight!”
Oscars host Wanda Sykes wrote simply: “Thank you Serena.”
Woods said it had been “a privilege to watch greatness” following the game.
“.@serenawilliams you’re literally the greatest on and off the court,” he wrote on Twitter.
“Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!”
Thank you Serena @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/p1aEGcwkqf
— Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) September 3, 2022
A host of other celebrities have been pictured over the last week at the US Open to watch Williams play including Anna Wintour and Spike Lee.
Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, Jared Leto, Gigi and Bella Hadid, musician Seal, and Zendaya have also been spotted at the tournament.
The Spider-Man star also lent her voice to a Nike campaign in honour of Williams, which was released following the conclusion of the match.
Sometimes all it takes to change the world is just being you. Thank you, Serena, for changing the game for so many. @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/SQ2KqRLsxx
— Nike (@Nike) September 3, 2022
“When the world wanted her to be less powerful, she hit even harder,” Zendaya is heard to say, over archive footage of the tennis star’s career.
“She refused to hide her flair, or what was on her mind. She couldn’t stop winning. Over and over and over again.
“She didn’t change who she was, and that changed everything, for all of us.”
