The sports world had all the feels Monday night as Serena Williams began play in what is expected to be the final tournament of her career.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion rose to the occasion with a spirited 6–3, 6–3 victory over 80th-ranked Danka Koviniu0107 in front of a star-studded crowd in the opening round of the 2022 U.S. Open. Williams advances to the second round, and she also will play doubles with sister Venus Williams.
But with the possibility that Monday could’ve been Serena’s final career singles match, another legendary athlete posted an appreciation video.