2020 US Open: Serena Williams knocked out by Victoria Azrarenka, Internet says this could 'be the end of her'
Shockwaves rippled across social media after Serena Willaims was beaten 1-6 6-3 6-3 by Victoria Azarenka in the semifinals of the US Open on Thursday. The loss meant she doesn't get the opportunity of winning a record-equalling 24 Grand Slam Singles titles on home soil. It also means, Azarenka sets up a date with Naomi Osaka in the final.
Fans who hoped for a Williams win were left disappointed after the loss and started discussing what the future holds for the legend. "This could be the end of Serena. Better to retire in a high note. No one can achieve what she achieved in Tennis. Great player and a great mom. All the best Vika in the finals. Go there and get the trophy. You can do it," read one of the comments.
This could be the end of Serena. Better to retire in a high note. No one can achieve what she achieved in Tennis. Great player and a great mom.
— Baskar Deenadayalan (@baskyjes) September 11, 2020
All the best Vika in the finals. Go there and get the trophy. You can do it.
This was seconded by a few more fans. "The more viable option is for serena to retire. She has some kind of investment thing going that I read about recently where folks invest in her biz. Obv. this is her plan B. Time to go there."
The more viable option is for serena to retire. She has some kind of investment thing going that I read about recently where folks invest in her biz. Obv. this is her plan B. Time to go there.
— No one is safe in Donald Trump's America (@clever1956) September 11, 2020
"Ughh... I hate to say it but Serena seems done. She doesn’t have that mental toughness like she used to. She keeps collapsing in these majors. Now 0 major titles in her last 9 appearances. At this point is she just tarnishing her legacy? What a shame," a tweet read.
Ughh... I hate to say it but Serena seems done. She doesn’t have that mental toughness like she used to. She keeps collapsing in these majors. Now 0 major titles in her last 9 appearances. At this point is she just tarnishing her legacy? What a shame. ☹️
— B-Diddy23 (@diddy23_b) September 11, 2020
Some felt it was the rise of the younger players and their domination. "She's the goat and still competitive but then younger players have closed the gap due to Serena slowing down somewhat. Happens to the best of them," reckoned one of the fans.
She's the goat and still competitive but then younger players have closed the gap due to Serena slowing down somewhat. Happens to the best of them
— Trab (@mile12hurts) September 11, 2020
"She hasn’t been dominant in a long time, it’s just a fact, these other women are hungry and previous threats have made a resurgence. She had easy runs, not the same anymore," another opined.
she hasn’t been dominant in a long time, it’s just a fact, these other women are hungry and previous threats have made a resurgence. She had easy runs, not the same anymore
— Brandon Benn (@BigTrussWooWooo) September 11, 2020
Azarenka will play her third final on Saturday. Her previous finals ended with losses to Williams in 2012 and 2013. Even though it was Williams who dominated the first set could only watch as Azarenka turned on the heat in the second and showcased a fantastic display of power-hitting. In addition, Williams also suffered an injury to her left ankle and in the end, it was the Belarusian who walked way after bouncing back.
However, fans who supported Serena also doffed their hats for Azarenka's efforts. "Gutted for Serena, but serious props and congrats to Azarenka. Well deserved," a fan said.
Gutted for Serena, but serious props and congrats to Azarenka. Well deserved.
— Fidelity🇺🇸To🇺🇸Logic (@law4mentalhlth) September 11, 2020
What are your thoughts on Serena Williams' way forward after Thursday's loss?