Serena Williams: US tennis legend announces retirement

This year's US Open will be her last tournament

Serena Williams has announced that she will be retiring from tennis later this year. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has said she is "evolving away" from the sport. Writing for Vogue, the 40-year-old said she is moving towards "other things that are important to me", adding she does not like the word "retirement". In a post on Instagram, Williams, who holds the record for most Grand Slam titles in the Open era, said the "countdown has begun," and that she would "relish these next few weeks." https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCgQH0rFbQ/

'I am more grateful for you than I can ever express'

Serena Williams made her comeback from a lengthy injury this year when she appeared at Wimbledon. However she lost her first round match. In the piece for Vogue, she wrote: "Unfortunately I wasn't ready to win Wimbledon this year. And I don't know if I will be ready to win New York. But I'm going to try.

"I know there's a fan fantasy that I might have tied Margaret that day in London, then maybe beat her record in New York, and then at the trophy ceremony say, 'See ya!'

"I get that. It's a good fantasy. But I'm not looking for some ceremonial, final on-court moment.

"I'm terrible at goodbyes, the world's worst. But please know that I am more grateful for you than I can ever express in words."

Williams has won 23 singles, 14 doubles and two mixed doubles titles in Grand Slams tournaments.

The US Open will be her last tournament, where she has claimed six titles. The final Grand Slam of the year gets underway later in August. Related links:

• 'I don’t trust you' - Joey Barton delivers brutal dismissal of his own player
• Tyson Fury announces return to boxing with huge UK grudge match

---

Luke Chadwick recalls car journey with Roy Keane after infamous Man United incident

---