Serena Williams retirement grand slam: Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic could end 23-time champion’s career

Australia’s top ranked female could become public enemy No. 1 if she ends Serena Williams’ legendary career. This is how she plans to tackle the GOAT.

Rennae Stubbs coaches Serena Williams

Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic will turn off the Serena Williams fan she has been since a young child in an attempt to become the history-making player that ends the career of the GOAT.

Tomljanovic won through to the third round at Flushing Meadows with a 1-6 6-2 7-5 comeback over Evgeniya Rodina to set up the first meeting of her career against Williams – something she had thought may never happen.

As world no. 46, Tomljanovic heads in as favourite on paper, with 23-time grand slam singles winner Williams’ official ranking in free fall at 413.

But Serena is Serena. She’s officially in one-name territory – think Oprah, Madonna, Tiger.

It seemed after her recent form the Open would be a little more than a parade for the woman just short of Margaret Court’s record-breaking 24 singles titles.

But the competitor in Williams was never going to let that happen.

Serena Williams after the win. Picture: Matthew Stockman/Getty

Ajla Tomljanovic. Picture: Matthew Stockman/Getty

To set up the meeting with Tomljanovic, a player she said she had been watching recently and respected for battling back from injury, Williams beat no. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit 7-6 2-6 6-2 in a match that has redefined her New York expectations.

“I’ve been practising really well, but it hasn’t been coming together in matches,” Williams said.

“But, you know, now it’s kind of coming together, I guess.”

She won’t allow herself to think about a history-making title.

Tomljanovic knows she is in the firing line and has to find a way to harness her admiration for the woman who has changed her sport and become the competitor that stops her career.

“I think she’s changed the sport, tennis, but also what she’s done worldwide for women in sports is incredible,” Tomljanovic said.

“She’s paved the way for so many, inspired me to go for my dreams. Even her longevity.

“I’m in the part of my career now where they call you on the older side – she’s made that kind of non-existent.

“Old is not even a word in her vocabulary. (I’m) very grateful to her like that.

I don’t think there’s anyone like her, obviously.”

Playing Williams then, will be a “huge moment no matter the outcome,” Tomljanovic said.

“No matter the fact that I’ve been a Serena fan since I was a kid, on Friday night I’ll just be a competitor and I’ll try my best to win.

Serena Williams will had incredible crowd support for what could be her final match. Picture: Getty Images

“But it will definitely be something I have never experienced yet.”

The Croatian-born 29-year-old played her round 2 match on court 7, yet was able to hear the roar of the crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium as Williams fought back to beat Kontaveit in the third set.

“Court 7 isn’t that close. I kept thinking, ‘Oh my God, that’s annoying me and I’m not even playing against her’,” Tomljanovic said.

“I don’t know how I’m going to do it. I think what I’m going to focus on is to keep the scoreline close because I think she gets dangerous if she gets up. She’s the best when she gets ahead.

“Then when the crowd gets involved, that’s what can get to you.

“If I just stay within my little bubble, have my corner that I go to when I need help just for support, block it out as much as I can.”

The Aussie will have to stand and watch a montage of Williams’ career highlights before the pair play, with organisers realising any match could be the champion’s last.

Reporters asked whether that was fair play.

Tomljanovic wavered, then shrugged.

“I mean, it’s Serena. I think once you get to that status, you can do whatever you want.”

Tiger Woods was among the big names watching Serena. Picture: Getty Images

WHY WAS SERENA FAREWELLED BEFORE BOWING OUT?

– Emily Benammar

Write her off at your peril, Serena Williams means business in her final career grand slam.

Having struggled to get through the first round in recent tournaments, Williams produced a vintage performance to beat Danka Kovinic 6-3 6-3.

Immediately after the match, Billie Jean King took to the court in a presentation to honour Williams.

“You are fearless, I love it and you hate to lose. It’s great,” she said.

You’ve touched our hearts and minds to be ourselves. To use our voices and to dream big.

“Thank you for your leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially for women and women of colour.

“Most of all thank you for sharing your journey with every single one of us.

“You’re just beginning.”

A video montage followed, narrated by Oprah.

Serena Williams of the United States celebrates after defeating Danka Kovinic

Eventually, Williams was invited to speak to the crowd.

Interviewed by Gayle King, the 40-year-old said: “First of all thank you.

“I always just have to do the best I can.”

Asked why now is the time to step away, Williams added: “It’s been such a hard decision because when you’re passionate about something it’s always hard to walk away.

“Now is the time, I have a family, there’s other chapters in life.

“I wanted to spend more time at home, it’s Serena 2.0.

“I’ll still be around. I’ve been down and out and I’ve come back. I want people to be inspired by my story, I’m from Compton, California and I made it.”

In a final tribute to Williams, the crowd were then asked to hold up a piece of coloured paper on their seats to spell out the message “we love you Serena”.