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Serena Williams | "If I ever say farewell, I wouldn’t tell anyone"

Phil Egan
Phil Egan

09:41 18 Feb 2021


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An emotional Serena Williams left her press conference in tears after facing questions about her future following defeat in the Australian Open semi-final.

The 39-year-old American was aiming to win a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title but lost 6-3 6-4 to Naomi Osaka in Melbourne.

2019 champion Osaka is on a 20-match unbeaten streak and recovered from a nervy start to set up a meeting with Jennifer Brady in Saturday's final.

Brady won in three sets against Karolina Muchova to set up a rematch of the 2020 US Open semi-final, which Osaka won.

Williams gave the crowd inside the Rod Laver Arena a long wave goodbye with her hand on her heart as she made her way off court.

It fuelled speculation about whether the seven-time champion in Melbourne will be back next year so naturally, Williams was asked about it in her post-match press conference.

Williams replied: "I don’t know. If I ever say farewell, I wouldn’t tell anyone."

Williams said unforced errors cost her a place in the final and when asked about the mistakes she made during the match, she became overwhelmed and left in tears.

"I don’t know. I’m done," she replied before leaving the room.

 


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Australian Open Jennifer Brady Melbourne Naomi Osaka Serena Williams Tennis

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