Seeing legends leave their field of expertise is never an easy task for their admirers. So, when Serena Williams announced her retirement after leading a glorious career spread across multiple decades, it garnered the attention of all the people who have learned from her or seen her grow into this legendary version of herself.

Coco Gauff, Rafael Nadal, Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Bill Gates, and Magic Johnson all hailed Serena Williams for impeccably contributing positively to the growth of the sport. She proved that the support from family coupled with the power of dreams can do wonders.

All hail Serena Williams on her retirement

Serena Williams played her final match at the Flushing Meadows against the Croatian-Austrian player Ajla Tomljanovic. The legendary woman put up a great fight but had to yield to the gameplay of world no. 46.

Rafael Nadal took to his Instagram to hail the glorious career of the 23-time grand slam champion. He uploaded a video story of Serena Williams walking on the court with the venue cheering for the player. The King of Clay stated, “Thank you @serenawilliams for everything you’ve done for our sport!! Amazing champion.” 

Other than that, Coco Gauff took to her social media and uploaded a heartwarming picture of the two. She stated, “Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and for that, I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT!” 

Golf star Tiger Woods also did not stay back and paid his respect to the tennis star on his Twitter. He stated, “@serenawilliams you’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!!!!!!” 

Bill Gates and Magic Johnson show gratitude toward Williams’ legacy

Business tycoon, Bill Gates did not miss the chance, too. The 66-YO praised Serena Williams for creating a new world of tennis that promotes equality.

He stated, “What a run. @serenawilliams will 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.”

Apart from that, we have basketball legend Magic Johnson who stated, “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.” He attributed Williams to be the role model that everyone has learned from and will continue to do so.

Olympian Michael Phelps and Simone Biles bid farewell to the tennis legend

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time also praised the tennis legend. He acknowledged the tenacity of the player who has kept it up both on and off the court.

He stated, “It’s truly been fun to watch Serena not only change the sport of tennis but more importantly, how she’s helped empower the next generation. Her tennis accomplishments speak for themselves, but one of the things I admire about her is she simply doesn’t quit. On or off the court.”

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Additionally, gymnast Simone Biles has made a name for herself by being one of the best in her field. She added to the list and put across a shoutout to Serena Williams for inspiring a lot of people.

She stated, “Thank you @serenawilliams for transcending sports for black athletes, female athletes, and every athlete. Such a pleasure to watch, thanks for being an inspiration.”

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The astounding stats of the player are itself the biggest proof of her legendary career. All in all, with 92 wins at the Australian Open, 69 at Roland Garros, 98 at Wimbledon, and 108 at the US Open, the player has clinched 23 grand slam titles. After her retirement too, we all know the player is going to shine in all the endeavors of life and we will be excited to see her growth off the court.