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  4. Photos show Serena Williams receiving incredible, record-breaking support from a US Open crowd 30,000 strong

Photos show Serena Williams receiving incredible, record-breaking support from a US Open crowd 30,000 strong

Photos show Serena Williams receiving incredible, record-breaking support from a US Open crowd 30,000 strong
Serena Williams of the United States reacts after winning the second set against Ajla Tomlijanovic of AustraliaElsa/Getty Images
  • Serena Williams wrapped up what is most likely the last tennis match of her career on Friday.
  • Williams lost in the US Open but was still surrounded by a packed stadium full of support.

Legendary tennis athlete Serena Williams was adorned by an enormous crowd bidding her farewell during the 2022 US Open at the Arther Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York.

The 40-year-old Olympic Gold medalist wrapped up what is likely her last tennis tournament Friday night. And while she did not win the tournament, Williams put up a formidable fight and received a fairytale ending.

Insider has compiled photos showcasing the astounding amount of love Williams received on her way out of the sport.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion played at Arthur Ashe Stadium — which has a capacity of 23,771 audience members.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion played at Arthur Ashe Stadium — which has a capacity of 23,771 audience members.
A general view as Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot against Ajla Tomlijanovic of Australia during their Women's Singles Third Round match on Day Five of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 02, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.      Julian Finney/Getty Images

Source: WNBC

The Monday crowd surprised the athlete with a loving message.

The Monday crowd surprised the athlete with a loving message.
Serena Williams felt the love at Flushing Meadows on Monday.      Getty/Timothy Clary

The audience lifted blue and white cards that spelled out "We Love Serena" after her Monday victory against Danka Kovinić.

Williams responded with a heartfelt "I love you too."

Source: Insider

Ticket prices skyrocketed as the multi-day Open went on, costing as much as $48,000.

Ticket prices skyrocketed as the multi-day Open went on, costing as much as $48,000.
Serena Williams is introduced prior to her Women's Singles Third Round match against Ajla Tomlijanovic.      Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Still, the last two singles matches had record-breaking attendance with nearly 30,000 audience members.

 

Source: CBS Sports

Those who didn't purchase a ticket still supported the 40-year-old athlete from outside the stadium.

Those who didn
People gathered outside of the Arthur Ashe Stadium watching what was likely Serena Williams last tennis tournament on Friday, September 2nd, 2022.      Courtney DiGia

"Very cool to hear the crowd in the big points," an onlooker named Courtney DiGia told Insider. "Even though I couldn't be inside, it was special to experience the energy of the crowd and be there for Serena's goodbye."

The noise from the crowd was enough to intimidate other players and could be heard at other nearby courts.

The noise from the crowd was enough to intimidate other players and could be heard at other nearby courts.
Serena Williams of the United States reacts in the second set against Ajla Tomlijanovic.      Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Source: Insider

Athletes, movie stars, and former presidents were in the crowd rooting for Williams.

Athletes, movie stars, and former presidents were in the crowd rooting for Williams.
Serena Williams has had plenty of support at the US Open.      Getty/Tim Clayton

Williams' box included her husband Alexis Ohanian, coach Rennae Stubbs, sister Venus Williams, and golfer Tiger Woods.

Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue, actress Zendaya, and former President Bill Clinton were among some of the other big names present at the tournament.

Source: Insider, Insider

The outgoing star lost during her third-round match to Ajla Tomljanović on Friday.

The outgoing star lost during her third-round match to Ajla Tomljanović on Friday.
Serena Williams thanked fans after being defeated by Ajla Tomlijanovic of Australia during their Women's Singles Third Round match.      Al Bello/Getty Images

In a press conference after the match, Williams said: "I'm ready to be a mom and explore a different version of Serena."

"Technically in the world, I'm still super young so I want to have a little bit of a life while I'm still walking," she added with a chuckle.

Source: Insider

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