samuel l Jackson, Michelle Obama and Tiger Woods celebrate Serena Williams after alleged final match: ‘The best on and off the court’

Serena Williams’ supposed final match has garnered worldwide attention as many public figures took to social media on Friday night to pay tribute to the tennis star who changed the game.

Widely considered one of the greatest athletes to compete in the sport, Williams was eliminated from the 2022 US Open after losing in the third round 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1 to Australian Ajla Tomlianovic. Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

Williams, who turns 41 this month, previously said he would “grow up” playing professional tennis after a long career that included 23 Grand Slam titles, second only to Margaret Court’s 24. After Friday’s defeat, Williams burst into tears and said he was unlikely to reconsider his plan to retire.

She also praised her family, including her older sister and fellow tennis star Venus Williams, telling the crowd after the match, “She’s the only reason Serena Williams existed.” The brothers were the subject of the Warner Bros. last year. King Richardwhich chronicled the players’ younger years and earned Will Smith an Oscar for his portrayal of his father, Richard Williams.

Among the celebrities who took to Twitter to celebrate Serena Williams after the match was Samuel L. Jackson, who praised her effort against Tomlianovic. “You will leave as high as you came in,” the actor wrote.

Michelle Obama also opined, tweeting in part: “How lucky we are to see a young woman 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 change with your talent.

Below are other posts from Hollywood and sports celebrities, including John Legend, LeBron James, Jennifer Hudson, Shonda Rhimes, Tiger Woods, and Billie Jean King.