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

Billie Jean King, Spike Lee and Rebel Wilson were in the crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, and Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia was on the other side of the net.

Friday, 2 September, 2022 would - we thought - be remembered as the day the great Serena Williams played her final professional match.

But with a comeback in women's doubles taking place at Queen's Club this week, there will now be a different ending to the story of the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion.

Tomljanovic is in the history books as the last person to beat the American, prevailing in three thrilling sets on that star-studded New York night.

But she does not mind losing the distinction.

"I remember feeling very conflicted when I played that match, and even after, because it was over for someone that I have looked up to for a very long time," the 33-year-old told BBC Sport at Indian Wells in March.

"I experienced that match and got the win - but that was more amazing for me. I'll always remember and cherish that.

"In a way, I don't really care for these history books where I might not be the last one [to beat Williams].

"That's totally OK with me."

Williams saved five match points before losing 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 to Tomljanovic in the third round of the 2022 US Open.

A month earlier, she had announced in an essay for fashion magazine Vogue that she would be "evolving away" from tennis after the tournament.

President Bill Clinton and hip-hop singer and actor Queen Latifah had been present when Williams beat Danka Kovinic of Montenegro in the first round.

Two nights later, Tiger Woods witnessed Williams stun second seed Anett Kontaveit to extend her career.

But Tomljanovic had the final say on that unforgettable Friday night in the borough of Queen's against the 'Queen of Queen's' - as Williams had been introduced all week.

The match lasted three hours and five minutes in front of the almost capacity 24,000 crowd.

"It was a crazy match," Tomljanovic recalled.

"I just remember being so mentally stable in that match and battling so many things that you couldn't really prepare for.

"I'll probably never play a match like that again and that's something that I cherish because it's very unique."

Williams had served for the first set before losing four games in a row and was 4-0 up in the second before she weathered a Tomljanovic fightback to take it on a tie-break.

But Tomljanovic remained composed in a partisan atmosphere and took advantage of a fading Williams to race away with the third set.

Speaking after the match, Tomljanovic told the crowd: "I'm feeling really sorry because I love Serena just as much as you guys do.

"What she's done for me, for tennis, is incredible. She is the greatest of all time."

Asked afterwards if she would consider a comeback, Williams said: "I don't think so, but you never know."

And she has been true to her word. She will return on the grass courts of West Kensington when she plays doubles alongside 19-year-old Canadian star Victoria Mboko at Queen's.

Williams' elder sister Venus still plays on the WTA Tour and reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 US Open women's doubles, aged 45.

"I don't think Serena will come back and be satisfied with making the second week," Tomljanovic said before the American's return was confirmed.

"Even her last US Open, I think in her mind she was going to win it, so she must be feeling some sort of extra boost of energy.

"Maybe she's inspired by Venus."