Thousands of Americans, both old and young flocked to the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, the United States on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, to watch Serena Williams feature in her last tennis tournament.
The mother of one had announced earlier this month that she will be hanging her boots after the US Open due to family-related reasons.
According to the US Open website, 29,402 fans, the highest number ever registered in an evening session, watching the legendary tennis player beat Danka Kovinic of Montenegro in straight sets (6-3, 6-3).
Also Read: Serena, Venus Williams to Team Up in an Emotional Exit Tournament
“That's the largest attendance ever recorded for an evening session at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“That number, combined with the opening day session record of 41,930 fans set the second-highest single-day attendance mark in US Open history: a total of 71,332 people,” read a statement from the tournament organizers.
Former United States president Bill Clinton, boxing legend Mike Tyson and renowned artist Bella Hadid are some of the prominent personalities who were in attendance to watch the 40-year-old play.
Also Read: From Orphanage to Tennis Stardom: The Story of Angella Okutoyi
Speaking after the match, the 23-time Grand Slams singles winner stated that she did not expect such a high number of people travel to watch her play.
"I didn't expect any of this. I always have to do the best that I can. I have always felt so comfortable here.
"The crowd was crazy! It really helped pull me through. I was really pumped. I thought 'I got this,” she was quoted by BBC Sport.
Serena will partner her elder sibling Venus Williams in the doubles category at the tournament for the first time since 2018.
Also Read: Okutoyi Reveals Omanyala’s Role in Her Wimbledon Triumph