The 40-year-old has not ruled out taking to the court again, but defeat to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in New York appears to be her final match.
The American has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and 14 more in the doubles with sister Venus, as she goes down as not only one of the greatest to ever play tennis, but one of the finest sportspeople ever to perform.
Unsurprisingly there have been countless tributes to one of the most iconic sportspeople in history, with fellow legends sending heartfelt messages.
Billie Jean King tweeted: ‘Her incredible career made its mark on tennis history. And yet her greatest contributions may be yet to come.
‘Thank you, Serena Williams. Your journey continues.’
Tiger Woods added: ‘@serenawilliams you’re literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!’
Basketball legend LeBron James sent a video message to the retiring star, saying: ‘Wow, where do I start? First of all congratulations to you for an unbelievable career. You’re a GOAT.
‘What you’ve done for the sport of tennis, what you’ve done for women and what you’ve done for the category of sport, period, is unprecedented.
‘It’s been an honour to watch your journey. To watch you conquer all the goals that you ever set out. To see you break records, to see you just be amazing and transcend the tennis court.
‘I could sit here and talk about your journey and watching you from afar and our relationship now for an hour, but I don’t want to bore you too much about stuff you already know.
‘I just want to say thank you for being an inspiration for so many and showing the world, every time you were out there, that you’re the greatest, win, lose or draw.
‘I wish you nothing but the greatest journey ahead of you. You have been unbelievable and I salute you.’
Current American tennis star Coco Gauff won her third round game in New York on Friday and tweeted after: ‘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!’
Naomi Osaka, who famously beat Williams to win the 2018 US Open said: ‘Her legacy is really wide, to the point where you can’t really describe it in words.
‘She changed the sport so much, she’s introduced people that have never heard of tennis into the sport. I think I’m a product of what she’s done. I wouldn’t be here without Serena, Venus, her whole family. I’m very thankful to her.’
Andy Murray added: ‘Her achievements within the sport are obviously incredible, she will go down as one of the best tennis players to have ever played, if not the best on the women’s side.’
Finally, Rafael Nadal said: ‘Not just a tennis player, she’s been one of the most important athletes in the history of the sport. From the tennis perspective, it’s a big loss that she is leaving, but on the other hand, she deserves all the things she achieved.’
MORE : Serena Williams sends emotional message as US Open defeat brings end to legendary career
MORE : Serena Williams reveals Tiger Woods was behind return to tennis
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