Serena Williams chokes up at a press conference after losing to Naomi Osaka at the Australian Open

Tennis superstar and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams lost 6-3, 6-4  to powerhouse Japanese opponent Naomi Osaka in the Australian Open’s semi-finals, dashing her hopes for a record-tying 24^th title. She was noticeably distraught during the post-game press conference, where reporters asked about her future plans, and if they included retirement.

"I don't know,” she answered with a meek laugh, “if I ever say farewell, I wouldn't tell anyone."

But when another reporter asked about her loss to Naomi, wondering if it was just “a bad day at the office,” Serena sadly sighed loudly. When she did answer, “I don’t know,” she was visibly choked up, fighting back tears. She then abruptly put a stop to the press conference with, "I'm done," and walked out.

It had been an emotional day for the tennis icon who already holds more Grand Slam titles than any other current player, including men, since the inception of the Open Era (and even won her 23rd Grand Slam title while pregnant). Only Margaret Court holds more titles at 24 Grand Slam wins. After Serena’s loss, the Aussie crowd at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne stood and gave her a rousing standing O with deafening cheers. She waved to the crowd and put her hand over her heart, indicating that the love was mutual.

Before her emotional exit from the press conference, Serena said of the crowds’ reaction, "The Aussie crowd is so amazing, so it was nice to see.”

While the press conference may have been cut short, Serena has elaborated on her feelings in a new Instagram post today, where she wrote in her caption, “Melbourne and my Australian fans- Today was not an ideal outcome or performance but it happens... I am so honored to be able to play in front of you all.”

“Your support -your cheers, I only wish I could have done better for you today,” she continued. “I am forever in debt and grateful to each and every single one of you.”

She finished off the caption with nothing but gratitude and affection. “I love you. I love you. I love you. I adore you.”

Comments of praise and support flooded the comments section on the post, including from singer Ciara, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and even the official accounts for the WTA and the Australian Open.

This Grand Slam marked Serena’s 10^th appearance at a major since returning in 2017 from maternity leave after the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. She has faced off with Naomi Osaka many times, including losing to her in straight sets at the 2018 US Open finals. Naomi’s first Grand Slam title win was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the refereeing of the game and the crowd was audibly booing her, causing Serena to stand up for her. Naomi now advances to the Australian Open finals.

Serena still has the opportunity to win her 24^th title to tie Margaret Court’s record. The 2021 French Open is slated to kick off on May 17^th and the 2021 Wimbledon Championships will take place June 28^th.

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