Serena Williams has just lost a tough match in the Australian Open semifinal to Naomi Osaka. The American legend was in great form for the entire tournament, but she was absolutely overpowered by Naomi that played extremely well after a shaky start.
Is Serena Williams retiring from the Australian Open?
The American champion has conquered the Australian Open 7 times and unfortunately there are some indications that she might not play anymore in Melbourne.
Before leaving the court, Serena stopped to wave the crowd for long and many interpreted the gesture as bidding farewell.
Serena waves to the fans as she leaves Rod Laver Arena after her semifinal round exit 🙏 #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/S9vZYfOcmI
— ESPN (@espn) February 18, 2021
"That might be the last time we see her here at Rod Laver" says Rennae Stubbs on ESPN of the tone and feel of Serena Williams as she waves to the crowd as she walks off the court after losing to Naomi Osaka.
— Randy Walker (@TennisPublisher) February 18, 2021
During the press conference, Serena was asked about her bidding farewell. She replied: “If I ever say farewell, I wouldn’t tell anyone.”
Then, when Serena was asked about the unforced errors she burst into tears to leave the press conference completely shattered.
After her semifinal loss to Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams leaves the pressroom in tears.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/g95Fva006O
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 18, 2021
Serena Williams in 2021
Currently ranked no.11, Serena Williams played her last match on the 18th of February when she surrendered to Naomi Osaka 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal of the Australian Open (draw).
During this season the American has a 8-1 win-loss record. Serena Williams’s latest run in Melbourne was the best achievement of her season.
Osaka at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2021
Now the world no.3, Osaka has achieved a 9-0 win-loss record in 2021. Osaka is currently competing at the Australian Open where she ousted Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 6-2, Caroline Garcia 6-2 6-3, Ons Jabeur 6-3 6-2, Garbine Muguruza 4-6 6-4 7-5 and Su-Wei Hsieh 6-2 6-2.
The Japanese won 6 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)
Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka clashed against each other 4 times. Their record is 3-1 for Osaka. The last time they fought against each other, Naomi Osaka won 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in Melbourne (Australian Open) on the 18th of February 2021.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
