The GOAT has officially hung up her racket 🐐 Waving an emotional goodbye to tennis after a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic at the US Open, the twenty-three times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams walked calmly to the net after missing a final forehand before waving to all sides of Arthur Ashe Stadium while ‘Simply The Best’ played over the loudspeakers. Addressing the crowd through tears, Williams said: “Thank you so much, you guys were amazing. I tried. Thank you daddy, I know you’re watching. Thanks mom. "I’m ready to be a mom, 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," said Williams, who has been open about wanting another child, as well as to spend more time with her five-year-old daughter Olympia and concentrate on her business interests. The flood of tributes from not just the sporting world but across the spectrum spoke of Williams’ huge influence, which will endure for many years to come.