Serena Williams on potential comeback: 'You never know'

Sep 2, 2022; Flushing, NY, USA; Serena Williams of the United States gestures to the crowd after a match against Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia on day five of the 2022 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center. Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

Serena Williams on reconsidering retirement: 'I don't think so, but you never know'

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/3/22

Serena Williams' incredible run in this year's U.S. Open ended Friday night as she fell to Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic (7-5, 6-7 (4-7), 6-1) in front of an emotional crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The loss also marked the likely end of Williams' historic 25-year career, as she has all but decided to hang up the racket for good after the U.S. Open.

However, after watching Williams battle to the bitter end through a competitive three-hour match, one can only wonder if she'll reconsider her retirement.

After fighting through tears to thank her family and friends in attendance, and especially sister Venus, Serena left the door open for a return to the court, if ever so slightly.

While Williams didn't say yes to rethinking her decision to walk away from Tennis, she didn't say no either.

"I don't think so," Williams said. "But, you never know."

Serena Williams on if she'd reconsider retiring: "I don't think so, but you never know."
— Kayla Anderson (@KaylaAndersonTV) September 3, 2022

If this is the end for Williams, she'll go down as arguably one of the best tennis players, male or female, ever.

Serena put up numbers we may never see again. pic.twitter.com/OYPGaQZcAq
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022

While Williams is one title short of the record 24 for most career Grand Slam titles by a female (Margaret Court), her 23 titles are also one more than Rafael Nadal's 22, which is the most by any male player. The next closest active player to her 23 Grand Slam titles is sister Venus, with seven.

More must-reads: