Serena Williams begins her farewell tour as she loses at the Canadian Open

The 23 times Grand Slam champion Lost 6-2 6-4 by Belinda Bencic in the second round of Canadian Open In Toronto – her first match since writing an article for Vogue stating that “the countdown has begun” and that she will “evolve away from tennis”.

Will likely be Williams’ last appearance in Canadian OpenAfter winning the championship twice during her brilliant career.

The 40-year-old has 73 singles titles, 23 doubles titles and two mixed doubles titles including 39 Grand Slam titles – 23 singles titles, 14 doubles titles and two mixed doubles titles.

“There was a lot of emotion, obviously,” Williams told the audience about the match.

“I love to play here, I have always loved to play here. I wish I could have played better but Belinda played really well today. It was 24 hours of fun.

“Anyway, that’s what it is. I was really happy to be here today and play in front of you guys, thanks for the support.”

Fans packed the 12,500-seat stadium to watch Williams’ farewell and tournament organizers set up a first-ever outdoor viewing area for another 5,000 people.

Inside the stadium, the fans raised banners reading “Thank you Serena”, “We will miss you 23” or simply “The Queen”.

The farewell bid ended with Williams accepting a gift from the Toronto Maple Leafs from the NHL and the Toronto Raptors from the NBA.

Williams is expected to play at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati next, followed by the US Open which she has suggested would be her final tournament.

Meanwhile, Coco Gauff defeated Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 6-4, 6-7 (8), 7-6 (3) in a marathon match that lasted two hours and 49 minutes on Wednesday to advance to the last 16.

Nick Kyrgios also advanced to the last 16 with a superb 6-7 (2), 6-4, 6-2 victory over world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev.