Williams tipped for media role
NEW YORK: Serena Williams could easily walk off the court and into the broadcast booth if she wants to, pocketing a handsome paycheck and boosting ratings for a sport that is losing star power, those in the business say.
Williams bid an emotional farewell to the sport she dominated for over two decades at the US Open on Saturday and afterward said she wanted to stay attached to the game.
‘‘Tennis has been such a huge part of my life, I can’t imagine not being involved in tennis,’’ she told reporters.
‘‘I don’t know what that involvement is yet.’’
ESPN holds broadcasting rights for three of the four grand slams. Twotime doubles major champion and ESPN analyst Luke Jensen said Serena would be welcomed with open arms.
‘‘We would absolutely love to have her and Venus in the booth,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m not in those negotiations or anything but if you look at the John McEnroes, the Chris Everts, the people that are true legends in the game, by staying close to the game, their brands stay strong.’’
An ESPN spokesman said the network would be open to the possibility.
‘‘If either sister is interested in exploring that route in retirement, of course we would certainly welcome any opportunity and would be happy to talk to them,’’ ESPN’s Dave Nagle said.
Former world No 1 McEnroe is one of the most recognisable voices in tennis but waited 15 years after retiring from singles competition before signing with ESPN.
Others like 12time major champion Billie Jean King have also carved out a spot behind the scenes of their sport. The tennis legend steps into her eponymous complex each year at the US Open, making media appearances on her own terms.
The 23times singles grand slam champion’s 75, 67 (47), 61 defeat sparked a flood of messages on social media, as current and former athletes across sport as well as the world at large celebrated her achievements of the past 25 years.
‘‘Congratulations, Serena, for your heart, skill, intelligence, dedication, and grace,’’ former United States president Barack Obama wrote on Twitter.
‘‘Few athletes have inspired more people both in and beyond their sport!’’
Former first lady Michelle Obama, who had appeared with Williams at events for her ‘‘Let’s Move!’’ campaign to promote physical activity for children, offered her ‘‘congrats on an amazing career.’’
‘‘How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time,’’ she wrote on Twitter.
‘‘I’m proud of you, my friend — and I can’t wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents.’’
American gymnast Simone Biles, a champion for athlete mental health who is widely considered the greatest of all time in her own sport, offered tribute to her fellow ‘‘GOAT’’ (greatest of all time) and thanked her for being ‘‘an inspiration.’’
‘‘Thank you @serenawilliams for transcending sports for black athletes, female athletes and every athlete,’’ she wrote on Twitter. Williams had credited Tiger Woods as one of the main reasons she was still playing tennis. The golf great, who watched her beat world No 2 Anett Kontaveit on Thursday, showered her with praise.
‘‘@serenawilliams you’re literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis,’’ Woods tweeted. — Reuters