Serena Williams Speaks Out after Losing to Naomi Osaka at the Australian Open Semifinals
Serena Williams has just penned a heartfelt message dedicated to her fans following her huge loss to Naomi Osaka in the semifinals— again.
Serena Williams is undeniably one of the greatest tennis players the world has ever witnessed on the court, but even she is not insurmountable.
She suffered a loss at the just concluded semifinals, where she went up against Naomi Osaka. Shortly after the game, she shared a personal message of gratitude to her fans.
Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams at the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2018. | Photo: Getty Images
In the message, she addressed the loss and expressed regret that she was unable to make them proud with a win. Williams thanked them for their support and declared she would always be indebted.
It is common knowledge that Williams is in hot pursuit of her 24th grand slam title. This would put her on equal grounds with Margaret Court's major record and may have signaled her retirement.
She was denied the opportunity to make that happen, this time by Osaka, who won 6-3, 6-4. After the game, Williams gave the audience a long wave with one hand resting over her heart.
This led to speculation about what will come next for her. In the post-game interview, she was asked if the wave signified a farewell, but she only gave a vague reply.
Many believe Wimbledon is Williams' final chance to equal Court's record before her retirement.
Speaking about what cost her the game, the American legend confessed that she had committed a lot of "easy" mistakes which her focused opponent took advantage of.
When she was probed further on what those mistakes may have been, Williams gave a non-answer and declared she was done before tearfully seeking the exit door.
It is not Osaka's first time denying Williams the opportunity to advance to the finals. In 2018, the two went head to head in a frustrating game that saw Williams get docked a point and a game after getting into a severe argument with the umpire.
Many believe Wimbledon is Williams' final chance to equal Court's record before her retirement. She has won 8 titles there, and fans hope she can do so again. Good luck Williams!!!