Retirement Saga: Emotional – Serena Williams breaks down in tears in ‘brutal’ drama at
Serena Williams has played her final match at the Canadian Open, going down to Belinda Bencic in straight sets in Toronto on Wednesday.
Just 24 hours after announcing she will retire from tennis after the US Open – starting on August 29 – Williams was no match for Bencic in their second-round clash.
The World No.12 was a class above the 40-year-old Williams as she won 6-2 6-4 to send the 23-time grand slam champion packing.
Bencic was on fire as Williams struggled in the first set, with one extraordinary winner from the Swiss player leaving Williams in disbelief.
Williams simply bowed her head in exasperation after Bencic hit a winner while almost sitting down.
In emotional scenes, Williams was given a rousing reception from the crowd as she farewelled the event for the final time.
“It was a lot of emotion because obviously I love playing here,” she said in an on-court interview.
“I wish I could have played better today but Belinda played so well.
“It’s been a pretty interesting 24 hours. I’m terrible at goodbyes, but goodbye, Toronto!”
The American champion then broke down in tears in a post-match ceremony celebrating her career.
Fans were left heartbroken that Williams couldn’t go further in Toronto.
She will now turn her attention to the Cincinnati Masters next week before her farewell at the US Open.
