“Laid the Groundwork for So Many”: Megan Rapinoe and USWNT Team Pays a ‘Mic Drop’ Tribute to Serena Williams

Serena Williams, regarded as the G.O.A.T of tennis, shared an Instagram post on August 9th hinting at her retirement. This announcement sent millions of her fans down memory lane, recalling countless great moments she created through the sport. Notably, there was one common emotion running through all the messages, headlines, tweets, and tributes-‘inspiration’.

The U.S. Women’s National Team honored the 23-time Grand Slam title winner Serena Williams ahead of the last match of the U.S. Open with a video they shared on Twitter. 

A tribute to Serena Williams

The World Cup champion team led by winger Megan Rapinoe came together for a video. It was shared on Twitter, paying tribute to the tennis legend ahead of her retirement.

In the video, Captain Becky Sauerbrunn is seen holding a white USWNT jersey with No. 23, which denotes Williams‘ record 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Crystal Dunn, the team’s midfielder, began by congratulating her.

READ MORE: ‘I Wouldn’t Be Serena if There Wasn’t Venus’ – Serena Williams Breaks Down in Tears as She Gives Her Final Speech at the US Open 2022

“You laid the groundwork for so many of us, been such an inspiration,” striker Megan Rapinoe continued with a sense of gratitude. “Enjoy every last bit.” she said.

Rapinoe also said that Serena was the G.O.A.T, and that says it all. To conclude, she congratulated the tennis legend again and said, “We love you.” In the end, Megan Rapinoe and the team gave a mic-drop tribute to the tennis superstar, Serena Williams, with loud cheers and claps. Moved by the gesture, Serena Williams replied to the Twitter video, “Love you, too.” 

Tennis and beyond

Initially coached by her father and later supported by her elder sister, Venus Williams, Serena made her debut in 1995. Her journey since then has created an unmatchable place for her in the history of the sport. It is well-known that the tennis genius is an aggressive baseliner fondly recognized for her powerful serves and strikes.

Besides tennis, Williams is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2011. “I want to have an opportunity to help UNICEF make the world aware of challenges that children face.” she said. Also, the tennis great has her clothing line called “Aneres”, a bag line called “Signature Statement” and even nail polish, “Serena Grand Slam”.

In the case of the tennis giant, retirement is not the end of the road but the beginning of the open highway. Also, as said in her post, ”I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena.”

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Australian player Ajla Tomljanovic defeated Serena Williams in the last match of the US Open on September 2nd. Sadly, several supporters were stunned by the final match defeat. In a heartbreaking conclusion, when asked if she would reconsider retiring, the ace tennis player said, “I don’t believe so, but you never know.”