Serena Williams, first defeat after retirement announcement

Serena Williams-Bencic 2-6 4-6

On the night Serena Williams played and lost her first match since announcing her retirement.

Toronto rallied around the former world number one with a capacity crowd.

Match-wise, there was nothing to be done against Swiss Bencic, who came out on top 6-2 6-4.

Serena’s last Canadian appearance lasted a total of one hour and 17 minutes.

The younger of the Williams sisters left the court in tears with a bouquet of flowers, but also jerseys of the Toronto Maple Leafs field hockey team and the Toronto Raptors basketball team for herself and her daughter Olympia.

“I’ve always had a great time in Toronto on and off the court. I will come back as just a tourist to visit the city. It has all been very nice, I have played incredible games on this court, with wonderful wins and an equally incredible match against Belinda a few years ago. It was a pleasure to play for you today, and thank you for the support.”

Serena’s farewell tour will conclude with the Us Open, the last stop of a legendary career.