A sporting legend has played her final match. Serena Williams bowed out of the US Open on Friday. The 40-year-old showed her usual grit in her gruelling three-hour match. The crowd clapped thunderously at the moment of defeat. Tears ran down Ms Williams' face as she thanked the crowd and waved farewell. In her post-match interview, she said: "I just thank everyone that's here…on my side so many…decades. But, it all started with my parents."

Serena Williams is arguably the greatest ever. She won 23 Grand Slams and spent 319 weeks as world number one in her 27-year career. Her achievements include inspiring girls worldwide. A former tennis star said Serena's "greatest contributions may be yet to come". American player Coco Gauff, 18, said Serena's impact on her life is "beyond any words". Michelle Obama said: "I can't wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents."