It was the 2022 US Open. Former World Number 1 and 23-time Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams was marking the final tournament of her illustrious career at home. It was an emotional moment for local fans and millions of supporters worldwide. Serena was bidding adieu to the sport after close to 25 years of high-intensity tennis. Further, social media went abuzz as the younger Williams sister exited the tournament. Fans sent in their heartfelt wishes on her post-retirement life. Ten months after retirement, Serena received a bizarre surprise at an outing.

The 41-year-old has had hectic life off the court as well after her retirement. She has shifted her focus to her business ventures while spending quality time with her family. Recently, she visited a bookstore where she was caught by surprise.

Serena’s encounter with a fan

The 23-time Grand Slam champion is widely active on social media and regularly shares updates about her day-to-day routine on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. On this occasion, she took to Twitter to share a bizarre moment at the bookstore. Posting a tweet on her official Twitter handle, Serena said, “I was at a book store the other day and someone came up to me and said I retired too early.”

It has been 10 months since Serena bid adieu to the sport. Playing at her home Grand Slam tournament for the final time, Serena gave a good account of herself, reaching the third round. However, she lost out to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in her final competitive tennis match.

DIVE DEEPER: Years After Retirement, Popular Media Personality Once Ranked Alex Rodriguez With Serena Williams and Lionel Messi Among “Iconic Global Athletes”

Post her retirement, Serena has made several off-court appearances. A few months back, she made a grand appearance at the Met Gala where she broke out her pregnancy news.

Victoria Azarenka lauds Serena and Venus Williams

The former World Number 1 took to Twitter to praise the Williams sisters on their illustrious tennis careers. Talking about this, she said, “They changed the game to become more powerful/athletic. Serena is so mentally strong. Their legacy is very, very strong. I was in the gym with her (Venus) the other day, it’s quite incredible for me to see.”

Watch this story: Distressing Serena Williams Reality Leaves Gaping Void That’s Nearly Impossible to Fill for Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek

The Williams sisters have changed the way tennis was played. Additionally, they have inspired the next generation to take up the sport. Their contribution will go a long way in the years to come.