Serena Williams grew emotional at the Australian Open while contemplating retirement.
After losing to Naomi Osaka in straight sets in the Australian Open semifinals, Williams stopped and saluted the crowd on her way out, touching her hand to her heart.
It was a small moment â possibly just a show of gratitude to a crowd that was behind her, or perhaps to just having fans in the stands at all.
Serena waves to the fans as she leaves Rod Laver Arena after her semifinal round exit đ #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/S9vZYfOcmI
â ESPN (@espn) February 18, 2021
But the move immediately sparked discussion about Williams’ possible retirement, with ESPN’s announcers debating if the gesture meant something more.