Serena Williams left her Australian Open news conference in tears after her semi-final defeat by Naomi Osaka.
The American gave the crowd inside the Rod Laver Arena a long and extended wave goodbye with her hand on her heart as she was outclassed 6-3 6-4 by Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals.
After her semifinal loss to Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams leaves the pressroom in tears.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/g95Fva006O
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 18, 2021
“I don’t know. If I ever say farewell, I wouldn’t tell anyone,” Williams said.
Williams became tearful when asked a further question about her unforced errors against Osaka.
“I don’t know. I’m done,” she said, before leaving the room.
Williams thanked her fans in a post on Instagram shortly after the match.
“Today was not ideal outcome or performance but it happens. I am so honoured to be able to play in front of you all,” she wrote.
“Your support, your cheers, I only wish I could have done better for you today.
“I am forever in debt and grateful to each and every single one of you.”
