The 2022 US Open has a little bit of everything, but Serena Williams' appearance is certainly the marquee event.
On Aug. 9, in a first-person essay for Vogue, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion announced her plan to "evolve" away from tennis after the US Open.
"It's the hardest thing that I could ever imagine," Williams said. "I don't want it to be over, but at the same time I'm ready for what's next."
Now the potential final stop on her farewell tour is filled to the brim with noteworthy fans. For nearly all of her storied career, Serena has been the biggest draw in tennis, and as that career evolves, she remains the hottest ticket in the sport.
Her second-round match against Anett Kontaveitt also brought out the stars, including Tiger Woods. In her essay for Vogue, Williams credited Woods with encouraging her to get back on the court after a seven-month hiatus.
"He's Tiger, and he was adamant that I be a beast the same way he is!" wrote Williams.
Erica Herman, Tiger Woods
Caroline Wozniacki, Venus Williams
Anna Wintour
Zendaya
.@Zendaya in the building 🤩 pic.twitter.com/c86vjVxr7U
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2022
First Round
Anna Wintour, Spike Lee, Bill Clinton and more were among the famous spectators to watch her first round match against Danka Kovinic. Williams' family, including her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, and her daughter Olympia were also on hand to watch her play. Olympia wore a sparkling outfit that was reminiscent of her mother's on-court attire, and her hair was done up in beads that called back to Serena's look at the beginning of her career.
Alexis and Olympia Ohanian
Bill Clinton
A presidential occasion. pic.twitter.com/zNT7XQuGSw
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2022