By: Kylan Watson

Two weeks ago, in a Vogue Magazine piece Serena Williams announced that the 2022 U.S. Open would be her last tournament as she is evolving away from tennis. Tonight, Serena fell in three sets to Ajla Tomljanovic. She fought to the end, but a once-in-a-generation talent fell to the younger hungrier player.

Williams has had a sensational career that has seen her win 23 major titles and inspire a generation of people who did not see themselves well represented in tennis. I’ve had the privilege of watching Serena Williams for a long-time. She showed so much grace and grit during her career playing in a white dominated sport. She became the face of American tennis and put a spotlight on so many important issues. Although her tennis career ended tonight.

She taught this writer that so many things can be accomplished when hard work is put into practice. Whether eyes are on you, or they aren’t. Seeing this woman from Compton, CA achieve so much and become bigger than a sport has been great and inspiring to see.

Serena has inspired many people to take up the sport of tennis, but she has helped many people from underrepresented communities know that anything can be accomplished when you set your mind to it. Her impact goes beyond the tennis court. She has inspired me and many others. So as the curtain falls on her tennis career. She has a bigger voice, and her impact will be felt for generations to come in the sport of tennis and beyond.