One of sport's greatest legends played her final match. Serena Williams bowed out of the US Open on Friday after losing in the third round. The 40-year-old showed her customary grit in her gruelling three-hour match. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause at the moment of defeat. Tears streamed down Ms Williams' face as she showed her appreciation to the crowd and waved farewell. In her post-match interview, she said: "I just thank everyone that's here…on my side so many years, decades…literally decades. But, it all started with my parents."

Serena Williams is arguably the greatest tennis player ever. Her 23 Grand Slam titles, 319 weeks spent as world number one, and 27 years at the top are testament to that. Her achievements have spread far beyond tennis. She has inspired girls worldwide. A former tennis star said Serena's "greatest contributions may be yet to come". American player Coco Gauff, 18, said Williams was her hero. She said: "The impact you've had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together." Michelle Obama said: "I can't wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents."