US Open 2022 news: Serena Williams retirement leaves Naomi Osaka in tears

As Serena Williams gears up for US Open finale, a fellow contender has revealed why the tennis superstar left her crying.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 28: Serena Williams practices in preparation for the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2022 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Even before the confirmation came three weeks ago that Serena Williams is “evolving away” from tennis, the mere thought of her retirement had Naomi Osaka in tears.

“I watched her first match in Toronto before she announced it,” Osaka said.

“For some reason I just started crying because I felt it. I felt like she was gearing up for her last US swing. Then she announced it a day later and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, this is what devastation must feel like.’”

This is the impact that Williams has had on so many.

“I think that her legacy is really wide to the point where you can’t even describe it in words,” Osaka, 24, said.

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Naomi Osaka was left devastated by Serena Williams’ retirement announcement. Picture: AFP

“She changed the sport so much. I wouldn’t be here without Serena, Venus (Williams’s sister), and her whole family. I’m very thankful to her.

“I honestly think that she’s the biggest force in the sport. That’s not intentionally trying to make (Roger) Federer or (Rafael) Nadal smaller. I just think she’s the biggest thing that will ever be in the sport. It’s just really an honour to watch her play.”

If Williams loses to Danka Kovinic, the world No 80 from Montenegro, it will not quite be the end as she and Venus, 42, have taken up a wild card for the women’s doubles, starting later this week.

The pair have won 14 grand-slam doubles trophies and three Olympic gold medals together, but have not played as a partnership since the 2018 French Open.

Serena Williams talks to coach Rennae Stubbs during practice in preparation for the 2022 US Open. Picture: Getty Images

It is a big ask for Williams to sign off in style by winning a 24th major singles title to equal Margaret Court’s record.

She has won only one of four matches since she returned to singles at Wimbledon in late June and looked well short of full fitness during the 6-4, 6-0 thrashing by Emma Raducanu in Cincinnati a fortnight ago. Yet one expert is not ruling out a miracle.

“You never know what can happen,” Alex Corretja, the Eurosport pundit and former world No 2, said.

“Remember Pete Sampras at the US Open 20 years ago — he was about to retire and all of a sudden he ended up winning the tournament. Why can’t Serena do that? She’s special and with special people you [can] never underestimate them, because they can do things that normal people can’t.”

Originally published as US Open 2022 news: Serena Williams retirement leaves Naomi Osaka in tears