By Mike Dickson for MailOnline and Isabel Baldwin For Dailymail.Com
Published: 17:03 EDT, 2 September 2022 | Updated: 03:42 EDT, 3 September 2022
Out of legs and out of time, Serena Williams’s glittering career met its end on the sport’s biggest stage.
On the enormous Arthur Ashe Stadium she met her final match in the shape of World No. 46 Ajla Tomljanovic, who eventually ran away with their US Open third round 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.
The record will show that Williams lost her last six games, but that would to be ignore three hours and four minutes of an excellent contest in which she breathed defiance until the end.
She just would not go away even when the situation was near hopeless at the end. In a last game that went on for nearly 15 minutes she saved five match points, reeling off a series of forehand winners.
'Oh my god, thank you so much, you guys were amazing today,' she said in an on-court interview filled with emotion. 'I tried but Ajla just played a little bit better.'
With tears in her eyes, she added: 'Thank you Daddy, I know you're watching. Thanks Mom. I just want to thank everyone that's here, that's been on my side, so many years, decades. But it all started with my parents and they deserve everything, so I'm really grateful for them.'
Williams, choked with emotion, continued to credit her elder sister Venus as an inspiration for her instrumental role in the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion's career.
'These are happy tears I guess,' she said. 'And I wouldn't be wouldn't be Serena if it wasn't Venus so thank you Venus. She's the only reason that Serena Williams ever existed.
'It's been a fun ride, it's been the most incredible ride and journey I've ever had in my life. And I'm just so grateful to every single person that's ever said "go Serena" in life. I'm just so grateful because it got me here.'
Serena Williams was in tears as her US Open fairytale finally ran its course and her glittering career met its end
A speech worth of the 🐐@serenawilliams | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/0twItGF0jq
On the enormous Arthur Ashe Stadium, she finally met her match as she suffered defeat in the third round of the event
The American star was defeated by Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic (right) in a tight three-set thriller at the Arthur Ashe Stadium
Showing the grit that made her a champion, Williams just would not go away even when the situation was hopeless at the end
The 23-time Grand Slam winner breathed defiance throughout the three hours and four minutes of an excellent contest
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She continued to leave the door slightly ajar but this is surely the end. Asked if that was the case she replied: ‘I think so, you never know,’ before leaving the court promptly.
Early on the atmosphere was somewhat less feverish than the previous two matches, as if anticipation had now changed to this being another step on a fortnight’s journey.
Tomljanovic walked out to general indifference from the crowd and, as now customary, had to sit and wait while a tribute video was played about her opponent before her rousing arrival.
World No. 46 Tomljanovic walked out to general indifference from the home crowd as has been customary this week
Although a seasoned professional nothing can quite prepare a player for this. However the Croatian-Australian, 29, will have been stood in good stead by featuring in the night match at Wimbledon last year that saw Emma Raducanu retire.
She benefitted from a loose Williams opener to break, which quelled the initial enthusiasm of the crowd. It was only temporary as Williams broke back to love, firing them up again.
The American was hitting with impressive depth against a player who prefers to hit relatively straight down the court and the decibels rose when the six-times champion moved ahead for 5-3.
She looked a little tight, however, when trying to serve it out and that ignited a new level from Tomljanovic, who soon had two break points at 5-5 as she skillfully opened the court up.
A beautifully-timed backhand down the line brought a second straight break. The Australian, whose game is uncomplicated, blasted her way to three set points and took the third one with forehand that looped onto the line after a couple of nervy errors.
The American legend was hitting with impressive depth against a player who prefers to hit relatively straight down court
Resilient Williams would have to come back from a set down for the first time in the week and dug deep to take the second
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Now Williams would have to come back from a set down for the first time in the week, testing her ageing legs.
Tomljanovic seemed taken aback when the American changed her strategy at the start of the set, surging forward when she could and playing with outright aggression to shorten the rallies.
It worked a treat as she threw the kitchen sink at her opponent, hitting out with abandon to race to a 4-0 lead in what turned out to be 83-minute second set.
The World No. 46 then managed to dig in, never more so than in the epic eighth game. It lasted fifteen minutes and had nine deuces, with Williams creating four set points. She could not finish it and 5-3 quickly became 5-4.
Tomljanovic dug deep after going down 4-0 in the second set and clawed back to a tiebreaker before winning the third
Its sheer length was sapping, and the older player began to blow hard. She reached a last stand with the tie-break and moved to 4-1 up. Tomljanovic levelled but then the Williams forehand intervened and she seized it 7-4, with two hours and 12 minutes on the clock.
Could the veteran last? It seemed that way when she broke at the start of the decider, especially as her serve had hugely improved after an uncharacteristically poor start in that department.
The years, though, started to tell against the prime fitness of Tomljanovic, who was already ahead in winning rallies that lasted five shots or longer.
Although the tennis legend will now not being taking stage on Arthur Ashe over the weekend, she revealed she will be performing in a rather different way.
Williams joked that she intends to spend her first day post-tennis in the karaoke booth before insisting she is looking forward to exploring Serena 2.0.
When asked what she planned to do on the first day of the rest of her life, Williams joked: 'I think I'm definitely, probably going to be karaoke-ing tomorrow.'
Karaoke tomorrow for @serenawilliams 😅🎤 pic.twitter.com/oUjOeBJxB6
However, sing-alongs will not dominate Williams's post-tennis life as she revealed her focus will naturally switch to family.
The 40-year-old said: 'I'm ready to be a mom and explore a different version of Serena.
'And technically in the world I'm still super young so I want to have a little bit of a life while I'm still walking,' she added with a little chuckle.
A host of A-list stars had become regular fixtures in the Arthur Ashe stands throughout Williams's first two rounds and Friday night was no exception.
Williams' husband and co-founder of Reddit, Alexis Ohanian, was front and center in her box at her potential final tennis match, and he wore a t-shirt with a photo of their five-year-old daughter, Olympia, which had been snapped at the US Open during the first round.
He was pictured rocking the tribute to his daughter, Olympia, who has not been present at the US Open since opening night on Monday.
Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian wore a t-shirt with a wonderful picture of their daughter Olympia on for third-round match
Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, was on hand to support the tennis matriarch, with his shirt receiving universal acclaim
Olympia, officially named Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., turned five on Thursday and stole the show during her appearance at her mom's win over Danka Kovinic.
The picture of Olympia was taken on Monday night when she was in her mom's box as she cheered on in a matching outfit.
Williams and her adorable daughter were decked out in matching diamond outfits for the 23-time Grand Slam champion's blockbuster first-round match at the US Open on Monday.
Williams's outfit, made by longtime partner Nike, was all-black and covered in diamonds to mark the importance of the occasion. Nike produced a matching outfit for her daughter Olympia who cheered her mother on in the stands sitting alongside her father.
It seems the matching outfit wasn't the only homage to her mother that she wore. In addition to the sparkles, Olympia was seen wearing braids strung through white beads, a hairstyle similar to what Serena wore when she won her first US Open title in 1999.
Williams wasn't the only one in sparkles on Monday night as Nike made a matching outfit for daughter Olympia (right)
Olympia sat in the stands with her father Alexis Ohanian to cheer her mom in her opening match at Flushing Meadows
The five-year-old wore white beads in her hair to commemorate her mom's first US Open win, when she wore the hairstyle
American billionaire Robert Kraft, Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and his singing sensation wife, Ciara were also among the star-studded cast supporting Williams at Flushing Meadows.
Wilson, Ciara and Ohanian were all in Williams' player's box alongside her sister Venus and mother, Oracene Price.
More NFL royalty was present in Queens, with New England Patriots owner Kraft and fiancee Dana Blumberg basking in the atmosphere.
New York icon Spike Lee made his third appearance of the week at Arthur Ashe, rocking a suave maroon suit, while 12-time grand slam winner Billie Jean King shone in a pink cardigan - a color she had also donned on Monday because, as she explained, it is Williams's favorite color,
Embattled Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons was in the crowd -- as fellow Australian, Tomljanovic produced a career-best performance. So too was model Bella Hadid and boyfriend, Marc Kalman.
Wilson and Ciara are often seen together at various high-profile sporting events across the US and sat in the player's box
Denver quarterback Russell Wilson and wife Ciara were just one of the power couples present at Flushing Meadows Friday
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and fiancee, Dana Blumberg, enjoyed proceedings as the NFL season nears
Spike Lee was seen rocking a blazer only he could, and has been a constant presence at Williams' matches this tournament
Brooklyn Nets superstar Ben Simmons was seen smiling as fellow Aussie, Tomljanovic triumphed over the iconic Williams
Billie Jean King looked on as Williams and Tomljanovic played out a tense encounter in a stadium in which she starred
Supermodel Bella Hadid, spotted with boyfriend Marc Kalman, had attended all of Williams' 2022 US Open singles matches
P.K. Subban (right) is currently an unrestricted NHL free agent, having most recently been a member of the New Jersey Devils
NHL free agent and former New Jersey Devils defenseman, P.K. Subban joined the star-studded audience witnessing a compelling opening set.
Throughout the week, Williams had more big names in her corner, including golfing legend Tiger Woods and Vogue chief Anna Wintour.
Fifteen-time major winner Woods was spotted alongside girlfriend Erica Herman as he enthusiastically cheered on his friend, even throwing in a fist pump or two, as Williams defeated second seed Anett Konatveit in the second round at Flushing Meadows Wednesday.
Elsewhere in the stands of Arthur Ashe on Wednesday were Vogue editor Wintour, a tennis aficionado who was also in the crowd on Monday for Serena's first-round match. Film director Lee also made his second appearance at one of Williams' matches this tournament.
Actress Zendaya was spotted in the stands of Arthur Ashe for the first time at this year's tournament. Zendaya, who enjoys global fame as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, had brought her mother Claire Stoermer and assistant Darnell Appling with her.
Model Gigi Hadid was joined by sister and fellow model Bella, who had also been among the star-studded crowd for Williams' opening triumph.
English crooner Seal, who famously used to be married to Heidi Klum, was another one of the wide variety of celebs glimpsed in the stands.
Golfing great Tiger Woods Woods (R) was spotted alongside girlfriend Erica Herman (L) in the stands on Wednesday night
The 15-time men's golf major winner enthusiastically cheered on his friend, even throwing in a fist pump or two
Actress and singer Zendaya was among the star-studded crowd watching Williams against Anett Konatveit Wednesday
Zendaya, who enjoys global fame as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, had brought her mother Claire Stoermer with her
Models Gigi (left) and Bella Hadid (right) watched on from the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday night
The supermodel sisters looked to be thoroughly enjoying the event, with Bella seen laughing and leaning on Gigi
Gigi was spotted throwing herself into the spirit of the occasion with full enthusiasm as cheered on the American star
English crooner Seal, who famously used to be married to Heidi Klum, was another one of the wide variety of celebs glimpsed
Unsurprisingly, Williams's opening-round match against Danka Kovinic, which saw her emerge victorious in straight sets, was also a star-studded affair.
Vera Wang, Mike Tyson, Hugh Jackman, former President Bill Clinton, Anthony Anderson, Huma Abedin, Rebel Wilson, Lindsey Vonn, and New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor all turned out for the match, which featured a special farewell ceremony in tribute to the tennis great - despite the fact she was yet to take her final bow.
And the celebrities not only flooded to Flushing Meadows to show their support of the tennis great but many also took to social media to pay tribute.
Actor Hugh Jackman (center), who's currently starring on Broadway, watches Serena Williams play Danka Kovinic Monday
Former US President Bill Clinton (center) also watched Williams' opening triumph against Kovinic of Montenegro
Former professional boxer Mike Tyson (middle center) was seen alongside tennis legend, Martina Navratilova (right)
American fashion designer Vera Wang looks on prior to Williams' opening triumph over Kovinic of Montenegro on Monday
Olympic Gold alpine skier Lindsey Vonn (right) cheered on her fellow athlete and friend on Monday
From legends like Woods and Derek Jeter, to tennis players such as Ons Jabeur and Carlos Alcaraz to NBA and WNBA stars like Breanna Stewart, JR Smith, Isaiah Thomas, and Diamond DeShields, to retired female athletes of years gone, Williams drew the admiration and attention of all.
Michelle Obama led the tributes as she posted a video of Williams interacting with the Arthur Ashe crowd following her defeat.
The former FLOTUS wrote: '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.'
Michelle Obama led the tributes as she posted a video of Williams interacting with the Arthur Ashe crowd following her defeat
Woods, who had also tweeted following her victory on Wednesday to claim it was a 'privilege to watch greatness', posted: 'You're literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!'
Tennis icon Billie Jean King tweeted, 'Her incredible career made its mark on tennis history. And yet her greatest contributions my be yet to come. Thank you, @serenawilliams. Your journey continues.'
After her own match on Friday afternoon, American tennis starlet Coco Gauff had said she hoped Williams would emerge victorious from her third-round showdown so that she could play the great later in the tournament before her potential retirement.
Gauff's victory preceded Williams' third round on Arthur Ashe and she gushed about the GOAT's US Open journey following her match.
'It's been amazing, I ordered room service just so I can watch it by myself,' she added of watching one of her idols. 'I know she's on my side of the draw but I don't know when but that's the goal. It's a lifelong dream of mine.'
While Gauff will now not have her wish granted, she still took to Twitter to thank the GOAT. The 18-year-old wrote: 'Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and for that I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT!'
Tiger Woods, Billie Jean King and Coco Gauff were among the sporting icons to pay tribute to Williams on social media
More tributes poured in from legends and current athletes alike.
'We just witnessed the last US Open for the greatest of all time, Serena Williams!!,' said Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. 'Serena has meant so much to sports, the game of tennis, the world, every little girl, and even more to every little Black girl across the globe.'
'The greatest of all time. It's been a privilege to watch history. Congrats on an incredible career @serenawilliams,' wrote Olympic ski champion Lindsey Vonn.
'I'm so grateful for @serenawilliams. What she has given this sport and us will never be lost on me,' Olympic champion sprinter Allyson Felix tweeted.
Two-time World Cup winner Alex Morgan tweeted, 'Serena fighting until the last point, always. You've given so much to tennis, and so much to women's sports. Thank you @serenawilliams.'
Current and former tennis players also chipped in their thanks and admiration.
'I love you @serenawilliams. It's been the pleasure of a lifetime to watch you become what you have. Can't wait to see that you do next. Thank you my old friend,' tweeted former US Open winner Andy Roddick.
Wimbledon women's finalist Ons Jabeur, who progressed to the Round of 16 with a win over America's Shelby Rogers Friday, tweeted a picture of Williams with the words, 'thank you Serena' between heart emojis.
Williams is known for her bold fashion statements on court from the denim mini-skirt at the 2004 US Open to her Nike black catsuit at Roland Garros in 2018 and this week was no exception.
Designed months ago through insights from Williams, she took to court in an all-black outfit inspired by figure skating competition apparel and incorporating a six-layer skirt, referencing Serena’s six prior Flushing titles, which began in 1999.
The elegant silhouette was designed to allow Williams comfort and freedom of movement, while the bold embellishments will put her firmly in the spotlight - if she wasn't already on the Arthur Ashe stage.
The black bodice was encrusted by crystals in the shape of stars to reference the night sky of the tournament and was then covered with a mesh layer over the top.
Williams was also sporting custom PE NikeCourt Flare 2 shoes which complemented the dress with the iconic Nike swoosh in crystals and her initials on the inner side.
There were also solid gold deubrés on the laces featuring 400 hand-set diamonds in black ceramic created in collaboration with Serena Williams Jewelry.
The outfit was topped off with a matching zip jacket and tote which were also in the same deep hue and embellished with crystals.
Williams, who attended fashion school, has always had a love for playing in breathtaking and trendsetting looks and the tennis great took a hands-on approach for her latest outfit, providing the full vision and dialing the details.
Serena Williams wore an all-black outfit inspired by figure skating competition apparel with a six-layered skirt to reference her six victories at the tournament
The look is topped off with a matching jacket, tote and custom PE NikeCourt Flare 2s also embellished in crystals
Relive all the action from Serena Williams's US Open defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic with Sportsmail's live blog from ISABEL BALDWIN.
And in what is likely the most difficult interview of Tomljanovic's career, she somehow ends up apologizing to the crowd for winning!
She says: 'I’m feeling really sorry, because I love Serena just as much as you guys do. … This is a surreal moment for me.'
Williams somehow makes it through an on-court interview as she says: ‘I tried but Ajla was better. Thank you Daddy I know you are watching, it all started with my parents and they deserve everything so I am really grateful to them,’ she said in an on court interview filled with emotion.
‘These are happy tears. Thank you Venus. It has been a fun ride.’
There was just nothing left. Williams gave it her absolute all until the very end but she was simply out of time and out of legs.
The legend of the game understandably had tears in her eyes at the end as the Arthur Ashe crowd gave her the ovation she - and her illustrious career - deserve.
Tomljanovic serving for the match!
But Serena is gonna go out swinging. The cogs are still turning in her head, working out how on earth she can come back and win this thing. The ultimate competitor. 30-30
But Tomljanovic has Williams on the ropes in a long rally once again and the American nets. Match point for the Aussie.
But she doesn't take it! Williams at the net again and she produces a thunderous shot past Tomljanovic. Deuce.
The American can only send a return wide on Tomljanovic's powerful next serve. Another match point.
Serena is still fighting. She claws it back to deuce as Tomljanovic can only send a return a mile high into the air.
But another clean forehand winner into the corner from the Aussie brings up third match point.
Unbelievable. Shrieks from the crowd as Serena somehow brings it back to deuce.
She is just about clinging on but a backhand from Williams brings about yet another match point for Tomljanovic.
Deuce No. 4. Everyone's stress levels still at a healthy level? Mine aren't.
Oh. my. days. Williams with the advantage now and the chance to stay in the match a little longer.
Oh, but the chance is missed. We're on deuce No. 5 at the three hour mark for those of you who have lost track. And we're also on to match point No. 5 as Williams sends a crosscourt forehand well wide.
Are you comfortable? Cause this is seriously never going to end... Williams with a legendary crosscourt winner to claw it back to deuce.. AGAIN!
Advantage Williams and Tomljanovic looks stunned!
Williams goes long. You know the drill.
This is insane. Williams darts forward to make an impossible shot, before Tomljanovic makes one of her own but the icon stuns her yet again. Advantage Williams.
But did you really think that was going to be it? Of course not. Another beautiful crosscourt winner into the back corner takes us back to deuce.
Tomljanovic has advantage again and this time there is no messing around. The Australian wins the match and knocks out a legend of the game in what might be her last ever singles tournament.
Serena caught flat footed again. 30-30 .
Tomljanovic catches her flat footed again and has a break point to take a 5-1 lead in this deciding set and she seizes it.
It is deathly silent inside Arthur Ashe right now.
Looks to be an ideal service game for Tomljanovic.
But then a double fault hand a point to Williams. Williams then rushes Tomljanovic into a forehand error, 40-30.
Williams goes for a backhand down the line but just misses the line. She can't believe it.
And the Australian consolidates the break with a hold.
A double fault gifts the break point chance to Tomljanovic.
Oh but what sweet redemption for Williams! An ace claws it to deuce.
A Williams forehand flies wide. Advantage Tomljanovic.
Williams needs a solid first serve and boy, does she deliver. The Aussie can do nothing but net.
But the next point is far from solid. Another double fault and it's back to advantage Tomljanovic.
Williams takes a look at a drive volley but it's a little too high and she can't control it. It's out and Tomljanovic breaks.
Tomljanvoci cruises up tot 30-0 but the inexplicably double faults.
The next two points are pretty routine, however, and she seals the hold. Still on serve.
Few unforced errors creeping in for Williams.
She comes so close to another ace, but Tomljanovic handles the second serve well and takes the point.
Absolutely nothing is coming easily for Serena tonight.
Williams backhand into the net, break point Tomljanovic. Another backhand error and the Australian immediately breaks back.
A forehand winner from Tomljanovic is met with stone cold silence. But whether the crowd like it or not she has advantage.
But Williams has her on the ropes on the next point. Tomljanovic does well to cover the court and keep the ball in play but Williams is waiting with time to spare as she smashes an overhead lob to win the point and claw it back to deuce.
Williams then rushes Tomljanovic into a forehand error, advantage and break point. Tomljanovic is then wild with the forehand.
Williams gets the advantage and clinches the early break!
Williams squanders a 4-1 lead to allow Tomljanovic to draw level.
The Aussies looks to have Williams on the ropes but the legend battles back. Serena fires one from the corner up the line and brings up set point No. 5. 6-4. She seizes it as the Australian faults on the first serve and Williams pounces on the second forcing Tomljanovic to go long.
After what feels like an age, Williams wins the second set!
Tomljanovic serving to stay in the set.
The Australian is matching Williams shot for shot on the baseline and the game plan seems to be to go straight down the middle and draw Williams into a rally and honestly it is paying off. Williams goes wide in a long rally once again. 15-0.
What a slice from Tomljanovic but oh, what a backhand from Williams. It squeezes inside the line. Oh. My. Word. 15-30.
But Tomjlanovic digs deep with a stunning backhand winner of her own. 30-30. Serena then hits long, 40-30. And the Australian clinches the hold.
And we're heading for a tiebreak folks...
An ace. And what a time to pull one out of the bag. 40-15.
She can't repeat it on the next point as she faults on the first serve but Tomljanovic is unable to return a powerful second and Williams holds.
She has guaranteed a tiebreak at the least.
From a 4-0 lead, Williams has let it slip to level in the second set.
Great grit and determination in all fairness to Tomljanovic. What a comeback.
At one point Williams was cruising through this set now she’s pressing, and she jams a return straight into the net after failing to move her feet into position. The net cord deflects a Serena shot on the next point out of play.
Williams is tired now, she was well and truly in the driving seat on the second seat and she has let it slip out of her grasp.
The great has the chance to serve for the set but Tomljanovic has momentum on her side after her last hold.
The Australian gets to 15-40 and brings up break point, which Williams practically serves up to her (no pun intended) with a double fault.
Somehow we're back on serve.
Smart play from Williams. She lets it bounce this time before smashing it for break and set point.
But she can't follow through! Tomljanovic does well to engage her in another rally and Williams blinks first. aggressively netting. Deuce.
Although it's felt like Tomljanovic has come out on top in almost every long rally this match, it's surprisingly the Aussie who loses the point as she goes long. Advantage Williams.
Williams is hitting the high power levels now. She has well and truly notched up the gears. Set point No. 3.
... and deuce No. 3. Tomljanovic claws it back as Williams nets.
Fastforward to deuce No. 7 - that's right, seven.
Double fault from Tomljanovic - not the time for a double fault - and it's really riled up the crowd. The Australian has a little moan to the umpire seemingly about the crowd's reaction before her next serve.
It's a good serve though and Williams can't return. Back to deuce.
Advantage Tomljanovic.. back to deuce... advantage to the Australian and on the 24th point of the game Tomljanovic finally wins the game.
Better from Williams on the serve but she lets Tomljanovic back in the game and a short forehand is pulled wide. Deuce.
Williams races to the net and absolutely thunders a forehand straight down the T. She's shown a nice bit of play coming forward this evening. Advantage Williams.
And the hold is finally clinched with a forehand winner into the corner. She lets out a roar as the crowd lets out one of its own.
Huge, huge hold. She's a game away from taking this to a decider.
On the last changeover Tomljanovic sat there with her towel over her head. Seems like she's trying to block out the noise and honestly, who can blame her?
It seems to work too and she ups her game! She rattles up to 40-0 on her serve and she looks to consolidate the break.
She can't back up the break with the hold on the first chance as she drops to one knee to make a shot on the baseline but can only send it wide.
However, the Australian finally holds to 15 with a backhand winner on the next point. She's still trying to get back in this set.
Tomljanovic leaned into that one and she fires a powerful crosscourt return for the point. 30-30.
Just when her service game looks to have taken a dip, she whips out a cracking ace. Seventh of the match if you're keeping count.
But Tomljanovic isn't going anywhere. Deuce.
Double fault gifts advantage and break point to the Australian. Williams needs to step up her serve... and she does! She fires over a scorcher and Tomljanovic cannot return it. Back to deuce.
Tomljanovic once gain makes Williams work in the rally and the world No. 49 emerges victorious from the exchange again. Advantage Tomljanovic.
This time she does not waste the break back opportunity as Williams attacks the net but volleys wide.
Tomljanovic gets one of the breaks back but it's still Williams with the 4-1 lead in the second set.
Aggressive play from Williams, she's definitely notched it up now.
T omljanovic starts the game with a double fault, just her second of the match. She responds well with a forehand winner but another double fault follows. 30-30.
Drive volley winner by Williams and it's an all-out attack with a backhand winner. There's the back-to-back break.
The crowd is completely re-energized by this performance. How will Tomljanovic cope?
A ce by Williams 30-0. And another one, 40-0. That's her fifth of the match.
And a sixth to hold. The service game of a GOAT right there. Easy, breezy hold.
Tomljanović opens with an ace and goes up 30-15 but the errors have started creeping into her game and Williams is allowed back in.
Williams takes her time, lets the ball drop, watches which way Tomljanovic guesses and then smashes a forehand winner down the line. Break point.
Quick reactions at the net and a nice move from Williams as she flicks the ball gently over for the break.
Just a little reminder that Williams has won 44 Grand Slam matches after losing the first set, so it isn't over until it's over.
And her start to the second set is nothing but GOAT-like. She rattles through her serve to 40-0.
But Tomljanovic has her rooted to the spot again for 40-15. Williams has looked a bit flat flooted at times, is she fatigued after the doubles effort yesterday?
Williams then double faults. 40-30. And what was looking like an easy hold is now tense as she moves the wrong way - before Tomljanovic even hits the ball - and the Aussie is able to o fire a backhand past her. Deuce.
Serena has advantage and brings up game point again. Tomljanovic has Williams flinging herself to the floor but the American can't make it and we're back to deuce. That was good, really good from the Aussie.
But the icon is a fighter and has advantage and this time she holds after forcing Tomljanovic into skying a shot out. Serena holds.
Tomljanovic is doing everything right. She's taking her time. opening up the court and because of that she finds herself two points away from the set.
Her serve has warmed up nicely too and that brings up three set points.
The Australian wastes the first with a double fault. And there goes the second with an unforced error.
But she makes no mistake on the third as a stunning crosscourt winner sees her clinch the first set. Long way back from here for Serena. Does she need another bathroom pep talk like Wednesday's?
Another long rally and once again it's Tomljanovic who comes out on top with a stunning return. It brings up two break points.
Williams saves the first after a Tomljanovic unforced error but she can't do anything about the second as once again she loses in a rally. Tomljanovic and Williams appears rooted to the spot, she makes no effort to run for it.
What a turnaround for Tomljanovic who will now have the chance to serve for the set.
Thunderous backhand winner down the line. 15-30.
17-shot rally at 30-30 and it's Williams who blinks first with a weak return. It seems the longer the rally, the better chance Tomljanovic has.
Tomljanovic seals the hold with an ace. She's still hanging in there.
Williams gets a little helping hand from the net. She does very well to react and get her racket to Tomljanovic's return close to the net but it just clips the tape and topples over the net well out of reach of the Australian. 30-15.
This time the net is not Williams' friend as the ball clips the top but bounces back on to her side. Break point for Tomljanovic.
Great response from the Australian to stay in the set and we're back on serve.
An overhead lob smash brings up three break points for Williams.
And Tomljanovic cracks under pressure. She faults on the first serve before an unforced error sees her go long.
Williams breaks and she will be serving for the first set.
There's the first 'come on' of the evening from Williams. She's getting fired up. 30-15.
Good play from Williams as she moves forward and it forces Tomljanovic into going long. 40-15.
Williams holds with a backhand winner and we're entering the business end of the set.
Tell you what, there's already been a fair few decent rallies in this match so far and you have to wonder how long Serena can keep up with them if they continue.
She wins the first but goes to smash an overhead lob and finds the net on the next. 15-15.
Two more wayward returns from Williams. 40-15. But Tomljanovic faults on her next first serve and then falters in the following rally. 40-30.
But the American cannot claw it back to deuce and there's fist pump from Tomljanovic as she golds for 3-3 in the opening set.
It looks to be a straightforward hold for Williams at40-15 but she double faults and Tomljanovic is back in this at 40-30.
A tight rally but it's Tomljanovic who blinks first. Some great defending from the Australian to quieten the crowd as Serena looks to have her beaten in the rally a couple of times but eventually she succumbs and is just long.
Both players have stepped up their service game since the opening two games. This time it is Tomljanovic's turn for a dominant hold to love.
If the Australian can avoid having a soft second serve blasted by her, she can certainly hold her own in the rally.
Williams thinks she has Tomljanovic beaten as she meets the ball low close to the net but the Australian dashes across to fire a volley winner over the top of her opponent's head... and it drops just outside the baseline. Even on the replay it looks in but the call out stands and it's Serena's point. Unlucky for the Aussie 30-0.
Williams then wraps up the hold to love. Much better from the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
Immediate response from the all-time great as she immediately breaks back to love!! We're back on serve.
It's the GOAT to serve first... and it's not the best of serves. She faults on the first before Tomljanovic wins the first point of the match.
She faults on the first serve on the next point too. A delicate shot at the net evades Tomljanovic who guessed the wrong way and can only watch on as it drops over the net.
She faults on the first serve again! The second one is slightly softer and Tomljanovic takes advantage with a forehand inner down the line. 15-15
The Australian brings up break point. Yet another fault on the first serve. She gets the second in and Tomljanovic take the chance to break as Serena goes long.
She's broken in the first game and failed to get a single first serve in... not an ideal start.
Tomljanovic makes her way on to court, there is a smattering of applause but that's about it.
Then the now-customary video reel of Serena's best moments is played before she is announced. Poor Tomljanovic has to sit on court while it is played - not intimidating at all.
Serena is then announced as the 'Greatest of All Time' and comes on to a court to a loud welcome - much louder than Tomljanovic's.
The fans are filing in for another night of #Serena pic.twitter.com/HQhbT3VNDp
Fans flooded to social media to pay tribute to Serena and Venus Williams following their doubles first-round defeat at the US Open.
The sisters decided to give it one last whirl four years after their last slam appearance together and six years on from the most recent of their 14 titles.
But they could not quite muster the greatness of the past as they fell to Czech pair Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova 7-6 (5) 6-4.
There are Tony Award winners on Broadway and Harry Styles is playing at Madison Square Gardens, but the hottest ticket in New York right now is to watch a 40-year-old woman trying not to retire from tennis.
Scratch that. There is no better show on the planet than the current one starring Serena Williams at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Emotion, drama, pyrotechnics, a supporting cast of household names this is an unmissable farewell, made all the more spectacular by the fact it could end any minute. It's a high-wire act, with no net. Any show could be the last. On any given night, the greatest tennis player of all time could bring down the curtain on her singles' career forever.
Practice court now for #Serena Arthur Ashe Stadium 🔜 pic.twitter.com/O4Z49xVehS
This is Serena's third consecutive night on Arthur Ashe - that's right, THIRD!
Following her singles triumph on Wednesday, she held court with sister Venus in the doubles on Thursday.
However, the sisters' last dance was over almost as soon as it begun as they crashed out in the opening round in straught sets to Czech duo Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova.
RELIVE THE ACTION BELOW.
Coco Gauff reached the last 16 of the US Open women's singles as the American star kept her fine form with a straight-sets win over compatriot Madison Keys.
Gauff's victory preceded Serena Williams' third-round match with Ajla Tomljanovic and the 18-year-old hopes the 23-time Grand Slam champion's US Open journey can continue so that she can play her next week.
'It's been amazing, I ordered room service just so I can watch it by myself,' she added of watching one of her idols.
'I know she's on my side of the draw but I don't know when but that's the goal. It's a lifelong dream of mine.'
Golfing great Woods cheered his friend Williams on from the stands at Arthur Ashe during her second-round match Wednesday.
The 15-time major champion later took to social media to say 'it was a privilege to watch greatness'.
It was a privilege to watch greatness. Congrats @serenawilliams
The home crowd definitely have a bias but given the circumstances it can be forgiven...
Anett Kontaveit excelled on Arthur Ashe on Wednesday as she battled aggressively throughout the match despite the crowd's relentless support for Williams.
The Estonian was gracious in her assessment of the pro-Williams crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium but admitted it did take its toll and later left her media obligations with tears in her eyes.
The tributes have flooded in for Williams this week as she plays out what could be her final tournament of a glittering career.
A farewell ceremony was held after her match on Monday - perhaps a tad to early, she hasn't even exited the tournament yet!
But Billie Jean King led the tributes, while an A-list crowd turned out for Williams.
Now Times Square has joined the rest of New York City in celebrating the icon with a billboard thanking her.
Serena Williams summoned up the fortitude of old to stay alive at the US Open and thrill a frenzied Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Unlocking a level of play from vaults of history, the 40 year-old American knocked out number two seed Anett Kontaveit, roared on by everyone packing out the sport’s biggest arena.
Tiger Woods was among those who came to pay homage, and all were rewarded with a pulsating 7-6 2-6 6-2 that took two hours and 27 minutes.
Refresh yourself on how the win went down...
Good evening and welcome to Sportsmail's Live Blog of Serena Williams' third-round match against Ajla Tomljanovic at the US Open.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion is looking to keep her fairytale of New York alive against the Australian after the Arthur Ashe crowd carried her through the first two rounds.
Williams stunningly knocked out No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit in the second round on Wednesday after sailing past Danka Kovinic in straight sets in her opener on Monday.
The tennis icon revealed she is intending to 'evolve away' from tennis last month leading to the expectation that Flushing Meadows could be her last ever tournament before the dreaded R word.
After dazzling in the first two rounds, it is clear the 40-year-old is not quite ready to bring down the curtain on her dazzling career just yet but world No. 46 Tomljanovic will be hoping she can force Williams into taking her final bow on Arthur Ashe tonight.
The clash will open the evening session on the US Open's main stage, beginning at 7pm EDT (12am BST).
Someone please retire this confirmed bad loser and...
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