Since Serena Williams made her decision to leave the sport last month, she has received messages of adoration and love from all across the world. The most recent player to praise the 40-year-old was former World No. 1, is Pete Sampras.

In honor of the 23-time Grand Slam champion, the official ATP social media account shared recordings of the player giving his love and appreciation for the 23-time Grand Slam champion. Currently competing at the 2022 US Open, the veteran American has defeated Danka Kovinic and Anett Kontaveit to advance to the third round.

Pete Sampras’ tribute to Serena Williams

Sampras sent his best wishes to the 6-time US Open champion before her first round doubles match with sister Venus Williams. In the video, he said, “You are my idol. Congratulations on everything you’ve done to this game. It’s absolutely incredible… Everything that you’ve accomplished from winning the Majors to being No. 1. It is so hard to stay on top for as long as you have. I’ve got the utmost respect for you and how you handle yourself on and off the court. It’s an inspiration. You’re an icon. So congratulations on it all Serena.”

Further, he also addressed that, “I’m so proud of you. It’s just so incredible… It’s not an easy sport, and you were given a gift to play, and you went out there and earned it. You earned wins at every Major and you did it your own way, your own style… Now it’s time to take a little break, put the feet up, enjoy a little time off and I know you have a lot going on so I just want to wish you nothing but the best. Hopefully, we can run into each other one day, catch up a little bit. It’s been a while, so lots of respect and love to you Serena. I am so proud of you.” 

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In a different video, Roger Federer also praised Serena Williams and expressed how much he would miss her on the tennis court. He said, “I wanted to congratulate you for a most incredible career. You know what you have achieved, I know what you have done and you know what it is, it’s just beyond incredible… Please return to the tennis community and family. We will always welcome you with open arms and we will always be happy to see you again, so please return.”

The Swiss champion, however, wished Serena Williams the best at the current US Open and urged her to return to tennis in the future. With the hashtag #ThankYouSerena, the ATP published two clips of Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras paying tribute to the 23-time Grand Slam winner. More tributes are probably on the way.

Williams reaches the third round

In the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday night, Serena Williams defeated No.2 seed Anett Kontaveit. It guarantees that the 23-time Grand Slam champion will compete in at least one more singles match in what she has hinted will be the last tournament of her illustrious career.

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Williams missed roughly a year of action before making her singles tour debut at Wimbledon in late June. She lost there in the first round. She was 1-3 in 2022 when she entered the U.S. Open, whereas she is 2-0 this week. 

The six-time Flushing Meadows champion will compete on Friday to get to the fourth round. She will face Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia in the third round in Arthur Ashe Stadium.