23-time Grand Slams champion Serena Williams disclosed on Thursday, September 1 that renowned golf player Tiger Woods was the main reason why she was still playing.
According to Serena, Woods motivated her a lot at a time when she was undergoing a lot of challenges.
“He's one of the reasons I'm here, one of the main reasons I'm still playing. We talked a lot. He was really trying to get me motivated.
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“There are a few people, but we were like: 'OK, we can do this together, you know?'" she was quoted by CNN.
At the end of the match in which Serena dismantled Estonian international Anett Kontaveit by 2 sets to 1 of (7-6, 2-6,6-2) to progress to the next round, Woods was caught by cameras celebrating his compatriot’s win.
Woods, who is regarded as one of the best players ever to play professional golf, was accompanied by his wife Erica Herman to the match.
They sat close to Serena’s Williams elder sister Venus Williams. Serena and Venus are expected to team up for the last time in their professional career in the US Open’s doubles category.
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Woods, who suffered a career threatening injury back in 2021 that saw him sidelined for over 500 days, was present at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, to witness Serena play the last tournament of her career.
After the end of the match, Woods took to social media to congratulate Serena.
"It was a privilege to watch greatness. Congrats Serena Williams," read his Tweet.
Woods was not the only prominent person who had something good to say about Serena. Kamala Harris, the United States Vice President also celebrated the mother of one for the impact she made in the world.
"Thank you Serena William for inspiring people around the world with your talent, grace, and determination both on and off the court. We celebrate all that you have been, all that you are, and all that is to come," read her Twitter statement.
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