When Ajla Tomljanovic defeated Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open, it appeared to be the final chapter of one of the greatest careers in sports history. Nearly four years later, that chapter has unexpectedly reopened.
With Serena Williams making her long-awaited return to professional tennis in 2026, Tomljanovic has looked back on the unforgettable night in New York when she defeated the American legend in what was widely considered Serena’s farewell match.
The Australian admitted that seeing Williams return does not surprise her. Having shared the court with one of tennis’ fiercively competitive athletes, Tomljanovic believes Serena’s love for the sport never truly disappeared.
The Match That Became a Historic Moment
On September 2, 2022, Tomljanovic produced one of the biggest victories of her career, defeating Serena Williams 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-1 in the third round of the US Open. The contest lasted more than three hours and was played in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd that desperately wanted Serena’s journey to continue.
The victory sent Tomljanovic into the fourth round while seemingly bringing the curtain down on Williams’ extraordinary career. Serena finished that chapter with:
23 Grand Slam singles titles
39 Grand Slam titles overall
Seven Wimbledon singles crowns
A career spanning more than 25 years
At the time, many believed Tomljanovic would forever be remembered as the last player to beat Serena Williams.
Serena’s Comeback Changes the Narrative
That storyline has now changed dramatically.
Williams, now 44, has returned to professional tennis and begun her comeback campaign on the grass courts of Queen’s Club in London. The former world No. 1 has indicated that the comeback is driven by her love for the game rather than a pursuit of records or rankings.
Her return has generated excitement across the tennis world, with fans and players eager to see whether the American icon can once again compete at the highest level.
Tomljanovic welcomed the comeback and joked that while she is happy to see Serena back, she hopes she does not have to face her again on court.
Why Serena’s Return Matters
Few athletes have changed their sport the way Serena Williams transformed women’s tennis. Her power, longevity and success inspired an entire generation of players, including many who now compete on the WTA Tour.
The return also means that the famous 2022 US Open clash is no longer officially the final match of Serena’s career. Instead, it becomes another memorable chapter in a story that continues to evolve.
Whether Serena plays only doubles or eventually returns to singles competition remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that her comeback has reignited interest in women’s tennis and given fans another opportunity to watch one of the sport’s greatest champions compete.
For Tomljanovic, the player who once appeared to close the book on Serena’s career, the comeback is a reminder that legends rarely follow a script.
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