An era is about to come to an end. Serena Williams, one of the best tennis players of all time and a cultural icon, is planning to retire after her 23rd Grand Slam singles title.
Tennis without the American superstar, who has amassed every possible victory throughout her 27-year career, is tough to comprehend.
Williams will be remembered as one of the sport's greatest competitors, an athlete with the cleanest serve in the women's game and a never-ending thirst for victory.
In addition, she will be remembered for speaking out against racism, supporting equal pay for women and men, and sharing her own experiences with the healthcare system as a black woman.
While British number one Emma Raducanu, 19, claimed Williams "changed the game," world number 11 Coco Gauff, 18, said she was "the reason why I play tennis" and her legacy can "inspire many more generations."
"Tennis being a predominantly white sport it definitely helped a lot," said Gauff. "Because I saw somebody who looked like me dominating the game. It made me believe that I could dominate too."
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