Why last woman to defeat Williams doesn’t mind change in history books

On a memorable night at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, the atmosphere was electric as celebrities like Billie Jean King, Spike Lee, and Rebel Wilson filled the stands. Across the net stood Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic, preparing to face one of the greatest athletes in tennis history — Serena Williams. It was Friday, 2 September 2022, a date many believed would mark the final chapter of Williams’ legendary professional career.

At the time, fans and analysts alike assumed that this would be Serena Williams’ farewell match. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion had already hinted at stepping away from tennis, and the occasion carried a sense of finality. However, the story has since taken an unexpected turn. With Williams now set to return to the court in women’s doubles at Queen’s Club, what was once considered her last appearance no longer holds that distinction.

Ajla Tomljanovic, who defeated Williams in that dramatic encounter, is officially recorded as the last player to beat the American icon — at least for now. Despite the significance of that achievement, Tomljanovic has expressed that she does not place too much importance on holding such a record. Instead, she values the experience itself far more than any historical label.

Reflecting on that match during an interview at Indian Wells earlier this year, Tomljanovic admitted that her emotions were mixed both during and after the contest. Facing someone she had admired for years was already overwhelming, but the realization that her victory might mark the end of Williams’ career added another layer of complexity.

She explained that while winning the match was undoubtedly a special moment in her career, it also came with a sense of sadness. Serena Williams had been an inspiration not only to Tomljanovic but to countless players and fans around the world. Being the one to potentially close that chapter was not something she celebrated in a traditional sense.

Tomljanovic emphasized that whether or not she remains in the record books as the last person to defeat Williams is ultimately irrelevant to her. The memory of competing in such a high-pressure, historic match is what she cherishes most. For her, the experience itself outweighs any statistical recognition.

The match itself was nothing short of extraordinary. Lasting over three hours, it showcased the resilience and determination of both players. Williams, even at that stage of her career, demonstrated why she is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. She fought back from difficult positions, saving multiple match points and pushing the contest to its limits.

Despite the intense pressure and the overwhelming support for Williams from the nearly 24,000-strong crowd, Tomljanovic managed to remain composed. Her mental strength played a crucial role in securing the victory. She later described her mindset during the match as unusually stable, allowing her to handle the unique challenges that came with facing a global icon in such an emotionally charged environment.

The encounter was filled with dramatic swings in momentum. Williams initially looked strong, even serving for the first set before losing control. In the second set, she surged ahead with a commanding lead, only for Tomljanovic to fight back. Eventually, Williams claimed the set in a tie-break, extending the match and keeping her hopes alive.

However, in the decisive third set, Tomljanovic capitalized on signs of fatigue from Williams. Maintaining her focus, she pulled away to secure the win, bringing an end — or so it seemed — to Williams’ illustrious career.

After the match, Tomljanovic addressed the crowd with humility and respect. She expressed her admiration for Williams, acknowledging the immense impact the American had on her own career and on the sport as a whole. Calling Williams the “greatest of all time,” she made it clear that her victory did not diminish her respect for the legend.

In the lead-up to the US Open, Williams had written an essay in Vogue magazine, stating that she was “evolving away” from tennis. This phrase suggested a transition rather than a definitive retirement, leaving the door slightly open for a potential return. Still, most believed that her match against Tomljanovic would be her final appearance.

That night at Arthur Ashe Stadium was attended by numerous high-profile figures, including former US President Bill Clinton and entertainer Queen Latifah, who watched Williams win her opening match. Golf legend Tiger Woods was also present when Williams delivered a stunning upset against second seed Anett Kontaveit in the second round.

These moments added to the sense of occasion, turning the tournament into a celebration of Williams’ career. Each match felt like a farewell performance, with fans eager to witness history.

Following her defeat, Williams was asked whether she might consider returning to professional tennis in the future. Her response was uncertain — she suggested it was unlikely but did not completely rule it out. That ambiguity has now become significant, as her upcoming participation in doubles at Queen’s Club signals a return to competitive action.

Williams will partner with rising Canadian talent Victoria Mboko, adding an exciting dimension to her comeback. Meanwhile, her older sister Venus Williams continues to compete on the WTA Tour, even reaching the quarter-finals of the US Open women’s doubles in 2025 at the age of 45. This longevity may also have influenced Serena’s decision to return.

Before Williams’ comeback was officially announced, Tomljanovic speculated that if Serena were to return, she would aim for more than just participation. Given her competitive nature, Williams would likely set her sights on winning rather than merely progressing through rounds.

Tomljanovic also suggested that Serena might draw inspiration from Venus, whose continued presence on the tour demonstrates that age is not necessarily a barrier to success. The Williams sisters have long been symbols of perseverance and excellence, and Serena’s return further reinforces that legacy.

Ultimately, the narrative surrounding Serena Williams continues to evolve. What was once thought to be a final farewell has transformed into a new chapter. For Tomljanovic, the experience of facing Williams on that unforgettable night remains a defining moment — one that she values regardless of how history ultimately records it.

As fans look ahead to Williams’ return, there is renewed excitement about what she might achieve next. Whether or not she adds to her already remarkable list of accomplishments, her influence on the sport is undeniable.

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