Sports Stars, Celebrities Pay Tribute to Serena Williams After Her U.S. Open Exit

Magic Johnson, John Legend, Michelle Obama and Coco Gauff were among the many to say #ThankYouSerena after her third-round loss Friday.

Serena Williams lost against Ajla Tomljanović in three sets Friday night in front of an electric sold-out crowd at the U.S. Open.

THE
GREATEST
OF
ALL
TIME
🐐#ThankYouSerena | @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/dY1khvoSkx

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 3, 2022

The 23-time Grand Slam champion said last month she was set to “evolve away from tennis” after the tournament. With her exit from the event, the tributes came pouring out via social media.

Congratulations, Serena for an inspiring career! Cookie & I are so excited for you. I remember when we talked about you becoming an entrepreneur. Now, I look forward to watching you grow in business! @serenawilliams #Serena

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 3, 2022

Her incredible career made its mark on tennis history.

And yet her greatest contributions may be yet to come.

Thank you, @serenawilliams.

Your journey continues. #serena #USOpen https://t.co/0wDFfRN3Dq

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 3, 2022

All heart. So much love.

— Alexis Ohanian 🇦🇲 (@alexisohanian) September 3, 2022

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! pic.twitter.com/qeNZlC05WJ

— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) September 3, 2022

25 years. Champion. Shero. Legend forever! @serenawilliams #USOpen pic.twitter.com/xdo4dy4fpP

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 3, 2022

.@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!!!!!!

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 3, 2022

Congrats on an amazing career, @SerenaWilliams!

How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time.

I'm proud of you, my friend—and I can't wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents. pic.twitter.com/VWONEMAwz3

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 3, 2022

It’s been a joy watching greatness! Congrats Serena!

— Derek Jeter (@derekjeter) September 3, 2022

Salute the GOAT @serenawilliams. What a riveting final bow. Such a gift to watch her incredible career.

— John Legend (@johnlegend) September 3, 2022

The greatest of all time. Period! It’s been a privilege to watch history. Congrats on an incredible career @serenawilliams 💪🏻❤️ https://t.co/uk1wBM8ZxG

— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) September 3, 2022

"She didn't change who she was, and that changed everything, for all of us."#ThankYouSerena | @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/Pu9eoMwqUx

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 3, 2022

SERENA WILLIAMS = THE GREATEST ❤️🐐👑💐#ThankYouSerena

(🎥: @usopen)pic.twitter.com/PBfSuNUEoh

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 3, 2022

Thank you! #Serena 🐐🐐🐐

— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) September 3, 2022