Stars React to Serena Williams' Likely Final US Open Match: 'I'm Proud of You, My Friend'

Mar. 15, 2025

Serena Williams.Photo: Elsa/Getty

AsSerena Williamsclosed out likely the final chapter in her career at the U.S. Open on Friday night in New York, celebrities and fans took to social media to express their support and admiration for the tennis icon.

Hopes were high in Arthur Ashe Stadium after Williams, 40, dominated early in the first two sets, but her opponent, Ajla Tomljanović of Australia, reeled her back in each time. Tomljanović won the first set 7-5, and Williams eked out a tiebreak win in the second, but couldn’t overcome the Aussie in the third, losing 6-1.

Serena Williams.Eduardo MunozAlvarez/VIEWpress/Getty

In awe of the performance from the 23-time Grand Slam champion, public figures includingOprah Winfrey,John Legend,Tiger Woods,Michelle Obama, and more honored Williams during and after the match that marked the likelyend of an era.

“Congrats on an amazing career,@SerenaWilliams!,” the former First LadywroteFriday. “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,” she added.

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Alongside a throwback picture of the younger Williams, Winfreytweeted, “25 years. Champion. Shero. Legend forever!@serenawilliams#USOpen”

Magic Johnsonthanked Williams for her contribution to the sports industry, writing viaTwitter, “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.”

He continued, “Serena proves that you can dream bigger than where you come from. From South Central Los Angeles, to the greatest the world has ever seen…what a story! Thank you to her parents, Richard & Oracene Williams, for the job they did in nurturing Serena, Venus & all of their children.”

Meanwhile, golf icon Woodstweeted, “.@serenawilliamsyou’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!!!!!!”

Samuel L. Jacksonalso joined in the celebration,writing, “THANKS@serenawilliamsYOU’RE GOING OUT SCRAPPING, JUST LIKE YOU CAME IN.”

After reflecting on Williams' “unbelievable career” and her contribution to “sports” and “women,” in a clip,LeBron Jameslater added in histweet, “#SerenaWilliamsTHANK YOU !! You’re so damn DOPE!!”

Bill Gateswrote, “What a run.@serenawilliamswill be leaving behind an extraordinary tennis career that challenged the double standard between male and female players. I look forward to watching her continue building her amazing legacy off the court.”

Jennifer Hudsontweeted a picture of Williams from the match whilewriting, “Serena !!! U have inspired us all. Thank u for showing us what greatness looks like!@serenawilliams#USOpen2022”

Simone Bilessaid, “thank you@serenawilliamsfor transcending sports for black athletes, female athletes and every athlete — such a pleasure to watch, thanks for being an inspiration.”

Calling Williams “GOAT,” Legendwroteof the match, “What a riveting final bow. Such a gift to watch her incredible career.”

Second GentlemanDouglas Emhoffalso tweeted, “@SerenaWilliamshas inspired all of us with her grit, grace, and fearlessness on and off the court. It is her legacy that we will build on as we continue to fight for equal pay and gender equality in sports.”

“Her incredible career made its mark on tennis history,“Billie Jean Kingwrote. “And yet her greatest contributions may be yet to come. Thank you,@serenawilliams. Your journey continues.”

In her post-match interview, Williams got emotional as she thanked her parents, includingher father Richard Williams, the focus of the Academy Award-winning movieKing Richard.

“Thank you, Daddy. I know you’re watching,” she said, tearing up. “Thanks, Mom. Oh, my God.”

“I thank everyone that’s here, that’s been on my side so many years, decades,” she said. “Oh, my gosh, literally decades. But it all started with my parents. And they deserve everything. So I’m really grateful for them.”

source: people.com