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The Guardian World1 min read
Why last woman to defeat Williams doesn't mind change in history books
TL;DR
Ajla Tomljanovic was the last player to defeat Serena Williams in singles, but she is unfazed by the change in her historical significance following Williams' recent doubles comeback.
Key points
- Ajla Tomljanovic defeated Serena Williams in singles
- The match took place on September 2, 2022
- Serena Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion
- Tomljanovic is unfazed by losing her historical distinction
- Williams recently returned to women's doubles
Mentioned in this story
Ajla TomljanovicSerena WilliamsBillie Jean KingSpike LeeRebel Wilson
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."
Image caption,
Ajla Tomljanovic was clinical and composed to beat Serena Williams in 2022
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.
Q&A
Who was the last player to defeat Serena Williams in singles?
Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia was the last player to defeat Serena Williams in singles.
What significant event happened on September 2, 2022, regarding Serena Williams?
September 2, 2022, was thought to be the day Serena Williams played her final professional match.
How does Ajla Tomljanovic feel about losing her distinction as the last player to beat Williams?
Ajla Tomljanovic does not mind losing the distinction of being the last player to defeat Serena Williams.
What recent event involved Serena Williams and women's doubles?
Serena Williams made a comeback in women's doubles at Queen's Club this week.
