Serena Williams of the US celebrates after winning her US Open second round match against Estonia's Anett Kontaveit at Flushing Meadows, New York, on August 31, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Segar
New York: As one of the greatest tennis players of all time advances to the third round of the US Open, celebrities and sports icons are cheering her on.
Retiring at the end of this tournament to pursue her passion for investing in startups, Serena Williams is on the path to tie the record for most Grand Slam titles ever. She already holds the record for winning the most majors in the Open era.
Golf legend Tiger Woods, who she credits with being the source of her inspiration for playing on, was in her box fist-pumping as she beat the No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit on August 31.
"It was a privilege to watch greatness. Congrats @Serenawilliams,” he tweeted.
Other celebrities rooting for Williams included Zendaya, Jared Leto, Laverne Cox (who was mistaken for Beyonce), Bella and Gigi Hadid, Dionne Warwick, Anna Wintour, Hugh Jackman, Queen Latifah, Billie Jean King and Anna Deavere Smith and Spike Lee.
Even Bill Clinton and Dr. Ruth Westheimer were spotted in the stands.
NBA stars LeBron James and Stephen Curry showed their support with James tweeting, "Keep that serve going #Serenawilliams.” Curry tweeted, "Not done yet @Serenawilliams.”
Olympian Allyson Felix tweeted, "The Greatest. #ThankYouSerena.”
And Vice President Kamala Harris tweeted, "Thank you @SerenaWilliams for inspiring people around the world with your talent, grace, and determination both on and off the court. We celebrate all that you have been, all that you are, and all that is to come.”
