From the glowing video tributes and an array of A-List stars in attendance, everything on a celebratory night at the US Open pointed towards Serena Williams' impending retirement.
Williams' first-round match on Monday - which could have been the final of her storied career - was the centrepiece of an emotional fanfare on Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion recently announced she plans to "evolve away" from the sport and her home major is expected to be a farewell.
But after beating Montenegro's Danka Kovinic in the first round, 40-year-old Williams continued to play a guessing game.