During this fall season, Serena Williams, a 47 time Grand Slam champion in both singles and doubles, and Roger Federer, a 20 time singles Grand Slam champion, both said deuce to the tennis world as they announced their retirement.

On August 9, 40-year-old Serena Williams announced her retirement shortly after competing in the third round of the 2022 U.S open. Playing a close match against Alja Tomlijanovic, in her entire shiny diamond encrusted outfit, Serena left with a losing score of 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1. 

Though it was difficult to leave the sport and game she grew up so closely with, Williams remarked, “If I have to choose between building my tennis resume and building my family, I choose the latter.”

On the other hand, Serena’s 5 year-old daughter, Olympia, cheered with joy when she was informed that her mother’s tennis career would be over. This reaction put Serena into perspective of how much her tennis career affected motherhood, especially with her family’s hopes to become bigger.

Furthermore, on Sept. 15, 41-year-old Swiss tennis player, Roger Federer announced his 24-year old tennis career would be over through an instagram post. “These past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form but I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear,” explained Federer. 

After competing in the Laver Cup from Sept. 23-Sept. 25, Federer left with an emotional goodbye, surrounded by his teammates and loved ones.

Boy’s tennis player Zachary Yip ’24 shared a similar reaction to Federer’s retirement. “He’s a very humble player who has so much respect and love for the game. In more ways than another, Roger Federer was the face of the sport who encouraged us to get better.”

Williams mentioned in an Instagram post, “I have always looked up to you and admired you. Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions and millions of people – including me – and we will never forget.”

Nonetheless, these two ace players could certainly be labeled as the “GOATS” of tennis. For instance, both of their careers consist of numerous awards and achievements including turning pro in their young teenage years of just 14 and 17. Together they hold a tremendous total of 43 Grand Slam titles and 6 Olympic medals.

Admiring Williams for all her achievements, tennis player Niyah Spivey ’23 said, “I always like how when someone asked who her favorite tennis player was, she showed her confidence and only wanted to play like herself. Serena just has so much passion, so I try to take a little bit of that with me on the court.”