Serena Williams’ Retirement at US Open Boosts ESPN’s Viewership by 101% As Peak Viewership Touched a Record Number in History

In the ongoing US Open, Serena Williams hung up her boots after more than 25 glorious years in tennis. Further, she bid an emotional adieu as she thanked her family and friends for their support throughout her career. Even in the final match of her career, the 23-time Grand Slam champion created yet another record.

Over her illustrious career, Serena Williams has shattered numerous records. From becoming the player with the most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era to becoming the oldest World Number 1 in women’s singles, the American legend has seen it all.

Serena Williams’ last match breaks viewership records

Serena’s third-round defeat against Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open broke the record for the most-watched tennis match in ESPN’s 43-year-history. The previous record was held by Roger Federer’s 2012 Wimbledon Championships victory against Andy Murray.

Serena’s match against Ajla Tomljanovic averaged 4.8 million viewers from 7:15 pm – 10:30 pm ET. However, peak viewership was recorded at 10:15 pm, a quarter-hour, which accounted for 6.9 million viewers. As a result, ESPN’s ratings jumped 101% and an average of 1.1 million viewers tuned in for the first five days of the tournament.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘An Honor to Even Be Mentioned Among Such Amazing Champion Like Her’ – When Serena Williams and Margaret Court Got on Stage Together for a Special Event at the Hopman Cup

Meanwhile, Federer’s match against Murray at the 2012 Wimbledon Championships recorded 3.9 million viewers. In that match, Federer defeated Murray in four sets to clinch his seventh Wimbledon title.

Serena on her partnership with Venus

The Williams sisters teamed up for one last time at this year’s US Open. Talking about her doubles partnership with Venus, Serena said, “My sister, and I are considered most dominant sibling pair in women’s tennis history. I don’t know all the doubles record, but we are good pairing, that’s all I could say.”

Watch This Story: Fans slam Serena Williams’ ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou over his poorly structured tribute

However, Serena and Venus lost in the first round of the 2022 US Open. They have won the women’s doubles title at this tournament twice, in 1999 and 2009. While Serena has retired from tennis, Venus hasn’t hinted about her retirement. But with age not on her side, it’ll be interesting to see how long she continues on the Tour.