Sports
Serena Williams bows out after US Open singles loss, thanks everyone for decades of support
Serena Williams, one of the greatest female tennis players of all time, has been knocked out of the US Open, in what may have been the final singles campaign of her career.
She was handed the defeat after a thrilling three set by Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic.
Serena was emotional after losing what is likely to be her final ever match at the US Open.
Serena, who will turn 41 later this month, had revealed earlier this year that she would walk away from tennis for good following her home major.
But there was to be no fairytale ending for the 23-time major singles champion, who was unable to overcome Tomljanovic at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The American fought back valiantly after losing the opening set, but she eventually succumbed to her opponent, currently ranked 46 in the world rankings, 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-1, to bring her illustrious career to an end.
The defeat brings Williams’ dream of claiming a record-equalling 24th grand slam singles titles to an end at the very same stadium where she won her first major singles title back in 1999.
And the tennis superstar couldn’t hold back the tears when discussing her exit after the match. She said, “I thank everyone that’s here, that’s been on my side so many years, decades. Oh my gosh, literally decades.
“But it all started with my parents. And they deserve everything. So I’m really grateful for them. And I wouldn’t be Serena if there wasn’t [sister] Venus; so thank you, Venus. She’s the only reason that Serena Williams ever existed.”
The loss deprived Williams of a record equalling 24th grand slam singles title.
Tomljanovic was quoted by Sky News as saying afterwards, “I’m feeling really sorry just because I love Serena just as much as you guys do. What she has done for the sport of tennis is incredible.
“I never thought I’d have the chance to play her in her last match when I was a kid watching all those finals.”
Serena had insisted that she was “evolving” away from the sport that she has dominated for over two decades rather than using the term retirement when she confirmed her plans, but she appeared to reiterate that was still the plan after her defeat at the hands of Tomljanovic.
When asked if she would reconsider retiring after her performances this week, which saw her roll back the years to reach the third round, she played down talk of a U-turn.
She added, “I’m literally playing my way into this and getting better. I should have started sooner this year. I don’t think so, but you never know.”
After clinching one of the biggest wins of her career, Tomljanovic will move on to play Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova in round four of the tournament next week.
Sports
Chelsea thrash West Ham to stay on track for Europe
Chelsea thrash West Ham to stay on track for Europe
Chelsea strengthened their chances of securing European football next season, cruising to victory against West Ham at Stamford Bridge.
It took just 15 minutes for The Blues to get their noses in front with Cole Palmer reacting quickest to meet a loose ball in the West Ham box.
West Ham almost hit back immediately when Jarrod Bowen’s header crashed back off the crossbar, but it was one-way traffic from then on.
READ ALSO:
- Poor power supply: Your cup is full, IPOB tells Enugu DisCo
- Nigerian soldier accused of sleeping with colleague’s wife dismissed
- Just in: List of ex-governors under probe over N2.187tn fraud fabricated, says EFCC
The Blues doubled their lead on the half-hour mark through Conor Gallagher before Noni Madueke headed in the third six minutes later.
Nicolas Jackson struck twice in the second half to round off a wholly positive afternoon for the Blues.
With just three games left to play, Chelsea’s season seems to be heading for a strong finish as they have climbed up to seventh and sit just two points shy of sixth-placed Newcastle, while West Ham, who have two games remaining, stay ninth.
Chelsea thrash West Ham to stay on track for Europe
Sports
Tyson Fury arrives S’Arabia for Oleksandr Usyk undisputed heavyweight title fight (photos/video)
Tyson Fury arrives S’Arabia for Oleksandr Usyk undisputed heavyweight title fight (photos/video)
WBC Heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury has landed in Saudi Arabia ahead of his fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury takes on bitter rival Usyk in a heavyweight division unifier on May 18 in the Middle East.
Tyson Fury
He touched down in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 4, with a massive entourage featuring his family, friends and trainer SugarHill Steward.Fury and Co looked thrilled as they posed for photos in Riyadh.
Tyson Fury lands in Saudi Arabia with huge entourage
The group were presented with incredible bouquets of flowers and given hot drinks after a seven-hour flight from the UK.
Neither fighter has tasted defeat in their respective careers meaning fans would have a good time in what is going to be the fight of the century.
Fury has had three months to recover after pulling out of the original February 17 fight with an eye injury.
Sports
Haaland four goals propel Man City to 5-1 victory against Wolves
Haaland four goals propel Man City to 5-1 victory against Wolves
Erling Haaland showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting four times as Manchester City secured a dominant 5-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, keeping their hopes alive for a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Responding to Arsenal’s earlier victory over Bournemouth, Pep Guardiola’s side delivered a commanding performance, closing the gap to just one point behind the league leaders with a game in hand.
Haaland’s goal-scoring exhibition began in the 12th minute when he calmly converted a penalty after a late challenge in the box. He then doubled City’s lead in the 35th minute with a towering header from Rodri’s cross.
Speaking after the match, Haaland expressed his delight, acknowledging his father’s legacy at the club and celebrating his remarkable tally of 25 goals for the season.
READ ALSO:
- Who has bewitched our beloved America? – Femi Fani-Kayode
- Gaza: Thousands rally for hostage deal as ceasefire talks continue
- Ronaldo’s hat-trick leads Al Nassr to a 6-0 Victory over Al Wehda
The Norwegian striker added two more goals from the penalty spot, completing his first-ever four-goal haul and extinguishing any hopes of a Wolves comeback.
Guardiola praised Haaland’s performance, highlighting his journey back to form after a foot injury earlier in the season. Substitute Julian Alvarez sealed City’s victory with a late goal.
Despite a consolation goal from Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan, the visitors struggled to match City’s clinical finishing and made too many errors, according to manager Gary O’Neil.
With the title race heating up, City now sits just one point behind Arsenal, with three games left to play. Guardiola remains focused on securing the necessary points to clinch the title, while Arsenal looks ahead to challenging fixtures against Manchester United and Everton in their final two games.
Haaland four goals propel Man City to 5-1 victory against Wolves
DSS seals Plateau clinic over patient’s death
We’ve arrested seven suspected cultists, armed robbers in Anambra – Police
PDP: Sule Lamido blames court for mass resignation from party
-
International3 days agoUS students slam Biden’s comments on Gaza encampments
-
Business3 days agoNaira depreciates again, trades at N1,402/$
-
Entertainment19 hours agoNollywood veteran Shan George weeps as fraudster clears ₦3.6m from her account (VIDEO)
-
International3 days agoDam collapses, death toll rises in Brazil floods
-
News3 days agoLagos GDP hits N41tn, earns N433bn from IGR
-
News2 days agoDon’t host US, French military bases in Nigeria, northern leaders warn Tinubu
-
International20 hours agoGaza: Thousands rally for hostage deal as ceasefire talks continue
-
Sports20 hours agoRonaldo’s hat-trick leads Al Nassr to 6-0 victory over Al Wehda