“Few athletes have inspired more people both in and beyond their sport,” Serena Williams congratulated by former US President Barack Obama

After 27 years of a successful career, Serena Williams finally bid adieu to the sport following her 3rd round defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic in the 2022 US Open. Ajla won the match 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-1 to beat Serena and put the full stop to one of the biggest careers in the sport.

Serena had announced her retirement plans in August and bowed out at her will in front of the home fans at the Flushing Meadows where she won 9 majors across the three disciplines. Serena was expected to make a 1st round exit but her short run till the 3rd round still had the fans happy.

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Michelle Obama had also wished Serena Williams

With tributes pouring in for Serena from people from all walks of life, joining the list was former US President and political leader Barack Obama who took to his Twitter handle to congratulate Williams for the conclusion of her glorious and successful career that spanned over 27 years.

Barack tweeted, “Congratulations, Serena, for your heart, skill, intelligence, dedication, and grace. Few athletes have inspired more people both in and beyond their sport!” The tweet received a lot of praise from followers of the two global icons and especially from Serena’s fans for the respect shown by the former President.

Barack isn’t the only Obama to wish Serena as his wife Michelle Obama also paid her tribute. Michelle had called Serena her ‘friend’ and along with words of praise for the 23-time major winner, the former First Lady also posted Serena’s final goodbye to the crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“Congrats on an amazing career, @SerenaWilliams! How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time. I’m proud of you, my friend—and I can’t wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents,” tweeted Michelle.

While Serena did not personally reply to the Obama’s, at least on the social media platform, the gratitude shown towards the tennis star on her retirement is just a testament to the stellar career she had since turning Pro back in 1994.

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