Serena Williams delivers a big show against Ajla Tomljanovic in the last US Open match

“It’s been great fun, it’s been an incredible journey. I just want to thank everyone who’s been by my side for decades,” said Williams, who shed “tears of joy.”

She will probably not reconsider her resignation announcement, she added: “But you never know.”

It was only the second third-round defeat for Williams in her 21st participation in New York. She suffered the first on her debut in 1998 against Romanian Irina Spirlea.

If successful, the American would have become the oldest woman since the introduction of professional tennis in 1968 to reach the round of 16 in a Grand Slam.

Instead, the question of their final farewell is now in the room.

Definitive end of career? Williams hesitates

Williams had indicated that her 81st major tournament could end her great career, but had not yet definitively confirmed it. “I don’t think so, but you never know,” Williams answered in an on-court interview when asked if she would reconsider.

At the beginning of August, the former world number one, who failed in the first round in doubles alongside her sister Venus, announced in “Vogue” magazine that the “countdown” to the end of her career had begun.

Williams surprised with their victories against Danka Kovinic and against the world number two Anett Kontaveit before Tomljanovic came out.

Should the top player actually draw the line, she will not be able to catch up with Margaret Court, who is a record major winner with 24 titles.

Williams fights and fends off five match points

The previous leading lady of the tournament played a strong first set against Tomljanovic, but gave up a 5:3 lead. In the second set, she was already leading 4-0, but then had to go into the tie-break, in which she showed strong nerves.

In the third set, Tomljanovic quickly pulled away.

But Williams fought like a champion, fending off five match points before Tomljanovic put the finishing touches at 3:05.

(SID)