US tennis icon Serena Williams, retires from professional tennis

Serena Williams burst into tears following her career-ending defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the US Open.

The American thanked her family, including father Richard and mother Oracene, before breaking down on the center of Arthur Ashe stadium.

Serena Williams became emotional following her likely career-ending defeat at the hands of Ajla Tomljanovic 7-5, 6-7, 6-1 in a three-set thriller on Arthur Ashe

She turns 41 this month and recently told the world that she is ready to start “evolving” away from her playing days 

The former first lady led tributes to her friend and her “amazing career,” saying she would go on to “transform lives” with her talents. 

Tomljanovic is unabashedly a fan of Williams, having growing up watching her play on TV.

“I’m feeling really sorry, just because I love Serena just as much as you guys do. And what she’s done for me, for the sport of tennis, is incredible,” said Tomljanovic, who has never been past the quarterfinals at any major. “This is a surreal moment for me.”