Serena Loses 1st Match Since Saying She’s Prepared to Retire

Serena Williams of the US acknowledges the crowd after her match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, during the second round of the National Bank Open women's tennis tournament, in Toronto, Canada, 10 August 2022. (EPA)

Serena Williams wore her game face when she stepped out into the stadium for her first match since telling the world she is ready to leave professional tennis.

Greeted by a standing ovation, the 23-time Grand Slam champion didn’t smile. She didn’t wave. She took a sip from a plastic bottle as she walked in. Some folks in the crowd captured the moment with the cameras on their cellphones. Others held aloft handrawn signs — oh, so many signs — with messages such as “Queen” or “Thank you.”