Serena Williams was eliminated from the current US Open on Saturday after falling to Ajla Tomljanovic 5-7, 7-6, 1-6 in the third round of women's singles.
Serena Williams' hopes for a fairytale end to her illustrious career were dashed on Friday.
In front of a furiously loyal crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Williams gave it everything she had for one last fight.
"It's been the most incredible ride and journey I've ever been on in my life," "I'm so grateful to every single person that's ever said, 'Go, Serena!' in their life."
Williams made special mention of her parents Richard Williams and Oracene Price, who had paved the way for greatness for both her and her older sister Venus.
"I wouldn't be Serena if there wasn't Venus. So thank you, Venus," she said. "She's the only reason that Serena Williams ever existed."
Tomljanovic expressed "Even to the last point, I knew that she's in a position to win even when she's down 5-1," "That's just who she is and she's the greatest of all time. Period."