Serena loses 1st match since saying she’s prepared to retire

Game face on, Serena Williams played her first match since announcing to the world that she plans to retire from professional tennis.

Despite being met with a standing ovation, the 23-time Grand Slam winner didn’t crack a grin. She did not even wave. As she entered, she drank from a disposable bottle. Smartphone cameras were used by several in the audience to record the event. Others raised handwritten signs reading “Queen” or “Thank you”

American tennis legend Serena Williams, 40, lost in the first round of the National Bank Open on Wednesday night to Swiss opponent Belinda Bencic in straight sets (6-2, 6-4). It is unclear how many more matches Williams will play before she retires.

“A lot of emotions, obviously,” Williams told spectators who offered her encouragement throughout the clear, 75-degree evening.

The second-round match at the hard-court tuneup for the U.S. Open came a day after she announced “the countdown has begun” on her playing career, saying she wants to have another child and pursue business interests.