The former first lady paid tribute to her friend and her “amazing career”, saying she would continue to “transform lives” with her talents. Celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Hudson and Tiger Woods also hailed Williams as a “forever legend”. The multiple Grand Slam winner bowed out of the third round of the US Open on Friday night after losing in three sets to Ajla Tomljanovic. Image: Serena Williams waves to fans after losing to Ajla Tomljanovic at Flushing Meadows The tournament is expected to be her last, with previous wins against Danka Kovinic and Anett Kontaveit giving fans hope that her swan song could have a fairytale ending. But despite a memorable second-set encounter in a raucous atmosphere, there would be no record 24th Grand Slam singles title, with Williams succumbing to a 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1 defeat . “Congratulations on an amazing career, @SerenaWilliams!” Obama wrote on Twitter. “How lucky we were to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time. “I’m proud of you my friend – and I look forward to seeing the lives you continue to transform with your talents.” American talk show host Winfrey added: “25 years. Champion. Shero. Legend forever!” Award-winning actress Hudson, who recently won the coveted Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award (EGOT), wrote: “Serena !!! You have inspired us all. Thank you for showing us what greatness looks like!” American actress and producer Elizabeth Banks tweeted: “Thank you @serenawilliams for inspiring us for so long. May you feel the love tonight!” Woods said it was a “privilege to watch greatness” after the match and tweeted: “[email protected] you are literally the best on and off the court. Thanks for inspiring us all to chase our dreams. Love you some sis!!! !!!” A number of other celebrities have been photographed in the last week at the US Open watching Williams play, including Anna Wintour and Spike Lee. Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, Jared Leto, Gigi and Bella Hadid, musician Seal and Zendaya have also been spotted at the tournament. The Spider-Man star also lent her voice to a Nike campaign honoring Williams, which was released after the race. “When people wanted her to be less powerful, she hit harder,” Zendaya is heard saying over archive footage of the tennis star’s career. “She refused to hide her talent or what was on her mind. He couldn’t stop winning. Over and over and over. “It didn’t change what it was and that changed everything, for all of us.” Don’t forget to follow us at skysports.com/tennis, our Twitter account @skysportstennis & Sky Sports – on the go! Available to download now on – iPhone & iPad and Android
