Serena Williams' announcement that she will be stepping back from professional tennis has sent shockwaves around the world. The emotional tributes have been pouring in, with sporting figures including Billie Jean King and Lewis Hamilton voicing their admiration for the tennis star.

As Williams prepares to step onto the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium for what may be her final time, she has one last tournament to complete - the Cincinnati Masters, also known as the Western & Southern Open. The day after her story was published, Williams played the Canadian Open in Toronto and received a standing ovation, while ticket sales for the U.S. Open have skyrocketed.

The attention on Williams has been intense, with many wondering what's next for the 40-year-old tennis legend. In an interview with Vogue, Williams spoke about her decision to step back from professional tennis, saying that it was not a decision she took lightly. 'I resigned as kind of a material action of solidarity and because it was just time for me to move on,' she said.

Williams' announcement comes after a tumultuous few years for the fashion industry. Last October, Williams left her position as global contributing editor at large at Vogue after three years, citing burnout and the desire to focus on other projects. Her departure from the magazine came amidst controversy over her vocal protests against the Israel-Hamas war and her use of social media to raise awareness about the conflict.

Despite the challenges she faced during her time at Vogue, Williams' legacy in the fashion industry is undeniable. She was the first Black woman to style a Vogue cover in 2021 and went on to become one of the most influential voices in fashion. Her departure from the magazine marked the end of an era, but also paved the way for new talent to emerge.

As Williams looks back on her time at Vogue, she is grateful for the opportunities she had. 'I said everything I wanted to say was attached to the institutions I worked for,' she said. 'I resigned as kind of a material action of solidarity and because it was just time for me to move on.'

For fans of Serena Williams, this marks the end of an era. But as she steps back from professional tennis, Williams is already looking forward to what's next. In an interview with Vogue, she spoke about her plans for the future, saying that she wants to continue to use her platform to make a positive impact on the world.

As the world says goodbye to one of its most beloved athletes, it's clear that Serena Williams will always be remembered as a true legend in the world of tennis and beyond.

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