On Saturday night, Serena Williams said an emotional farewell to tennis. After a third round defeat at the US Open, a tournament she has won six times, it was time for a legend to address her fans one last time.It was a moment many wished would never come, including Williams herself.With her loved ones watching on, she couldn't fight back the tears as she delivered her emotional curtain fall speech.She also paid respect to her opponent, Ajla Tomljanović, who won the match 7-5, 6-7, 6-1. "Oh my God, thank you so much, you guys were amazing today," the 23-time Grand Slam winner began as the packed out Arthur Ashe Stadium cheered and applauded.Williams then broke down as she thanked her father, Richard, and mother, Oracene for helping to shape her influential career. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 02: Serena Williams of the United States acknowledges the fans after being defeated by Ajla Tomlijanovic of Australia during their Women's Singles Third Round match on Day Five of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 02, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)"Thank you Daddy, I know you're watching. Thanks Mom."I just thank everyone that's here, that's been on my side, so many years, decades! Oh my gosh, literally decades. "But it all started with my parents and they deserve everything so I'm really grateful for them."

The superstar stressed to the crowd her tears were happy ones, but the real moment that choked Williams up was when she honoured and thanked her sister, Venus, who was also fighting back the tears in the crowd.

"I wouldn't be Serena if there wasn't Venus, so, thank you Venus. She's the only reason that Serena Williams ever existed."

Venus and Serena Williams

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 31: Serena Williams of The United States is congratulated by her sister and opponant Venus Williams of The United States following their ladies singles third round match on Day Five of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

During their career together, Serena and Venus dominated the doubles stage, winning 14 Grand Slam titles and three Olympic gold medals together.

By the age of just 19 and 20 respectively, the Williams sisters had won the Career Golden Slam by winning all four Grand Slams and the Olympic title. Serena is the only player to have achieved the Career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles.

Both Venus and Serena were coached by their parents.

After a legendary career spanning almost 30 years, Williams retires knowing she and her sister have played a monumental role in changing the landscape of women's tennis.

Last month, the icon announced her decision to "evolve away" from tennis, in her own words, in a feature for Vogue.

The 40-year-old admitted in her emotional goodbye letter that she hated the term "retirement" and didn't think it was fair that she ever had to come to a point where she was choosing between tennis and her family.

But after 23 Grand Slam titles — the most of the Open Era — and countless records set, the GOAT has set down her racquet for the final time and will embrace the next chapter in her life.