Serena Williams honoured by Beyonce in beautiful farewell advert
The entire world is paying attention to this year’s US Open — the final stop on Serena Williams’ farewell tour.
Earlier this month, the tennis legend announced she had made the decision to “evolve away” from the sport she has helped grow.
In honour of her astonishing career, a touching Gatorade advert narrated by Beyonce has showcased just how much Williams has achieved in almost three decades on the court.
It is no secret that Serena and Bey are good friends.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion featured on the pop star’s music video for the song ‘Sorry’ from the popular ‘Lemonade’ album.
Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z are also frequently seen in the crowd during Williams’ matches, so it was only fitting that the star paid homage to her friend as she plays out her last tournament before hanging up her racquet.
The advert, which is titled ‘Love Means Everything’, flicks through Williams’ glittering career and also show clips of women of all ages taking part in tennis, horse racing, and dancing amongst many other activities.
The girls and women portray the people Williams has inspired with her greatness and the generations after her who will surely go on to make history in their respective sports.
But the advert doesn’t just focus on Williams’ 27-year tennis career — it honours her as a mother and a leader.
Where does @SerenaWilliams’ legacy start? At love.
— Gatorade (@Gatorade) August 29, 2022
Serena started a movement – to realize that you can do anything
When you love what makes you you.
This is a film for Serena, with ❤️. pic.twitter.com/9IeTfMO5fi
“When the world writes her down in history, we’ll begin where she started: at love,” Beyonce’s narration started. “No points, zero score — just love.
“It’s a love that we’ll remember through the generations, a love that started a movement, a movement to always love exactly who you are and who you can be. To be so in love with your identity that your very essence cannot be contained. To love the sound of your own voice and the way you move.
“To feel like a queen unapologetically, with a crown indefinitely. To cherish every muscle and every curve your body exhibits.
“A movement to always love being a proud Black woman, a parent, a dreamer, a leader. To love being one of a kind. To always love being you. The whole you. The real you.”
The advert debuted ahead of Williams’ US Open first round match against Danka Kovinić, which she won 6-3, 6-3.
This year’s Flushing Meadows will likely be the last time fans will see the 23-time major champion in action, although Williams herself has refused to completely rule out playing after New York.
Her next rival is world number two Anett Kontaveit, who thrashed first round opponent Jaqueline Cristian 6-3, 6-0.