NATIONAL BANK OPEN

August 10, 2022

Serena Williams

On-Court Interview

B. BENCIC/S. Williams

6-2, 6-4

CARLY AGRO: I see you looking around and I just want to give you the moment to let you take it in.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Thank you. Thank you. Thanks, Belinda, for those nice words.

CARLY AGRO: Your announcement less than a day ago has been the talk of the tennis world and absolutely beyond. I would like to know what it was like for you to take the court tonight and what the reaction has meant to you so far.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, it was a lot of emotions. Obviously I love playing here. I've always loved playing here. And, yeah, I wish I could have played better, but Belinda played so well today.

But just, yeah, it's been a pretty interesting 24 hours.

CARLY AGRO: I can only imagine. Well, our Tracy Austin up in the booth has been thanking you for telling people so that we would have the opportunity to savor these last few weeks of your tennis. I would like to know how you're going to be able to do that and if you were able to savor this experience tonight.

SERENA WILLIAMS: You know, I don't know.

FROM THE CROWD: Serena, you're the best.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Thank you. I love you all.

It's just been so memorable. You know, like I said in my article, I'm terrible at good-byes. But good-bye, Toronto.

CARLY AGRO: On Monday you told me that you didn't know if you were ever going to have the chance to play here in Toronto again, let alone win. I would like to know what you're going to walk away with as far as memories are concerned and what you're going to remember here about the National Bank Open.

SERENA WILLIAMS: You know, I've always had some amazing times here, both on and off the court. I'll be coming back just as a visitor to this city. But otherwise, it's been remarkable. I've had some really amazing matches out here and some really cool wins and a crazy match against you a few years ago. That was pretty intense.

Anyways, it is what it is. I was really happy to be out here today and play in front of you guys. And thanks for the support.

CARLY AGRO: You mentioned visiting Toronto. On behalf of everyone in The 6ix and from all of us here in the North, you are most always welcome in this city and beyond. We want to make sure that if and when you do come back you will have exactly what you need and when you need it. This is a gift from the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors and all of your friends here in Toronto.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Thank you.

CARLY AGRO: And we know your No. 1 fan is over here as well. Just in case Olympia needs some gear when she comes back to Toronto we've got her covered as well. There's a No. 22 on the back of your jersey so you that can remember your final match here in Toronto and there's a No. 5 on the back of Olympia's so when she celebrates her birthday she can do it in Toronto style.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Thank you. Thank you so much. Toronto has great sports, so I'm excited about that. I don't celebrate birthdays, as you all know, neither does Olympia. But thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's been a joy playing in front of you guys all these years so thank you.