Serena Williams ends career with third-round loss at US Open

Ajla Tomljanovic won a thriller at Flushing Meadows. 

Serena Williams waves goodbye to tennis (Charles Krupa/AP)

Serena Williams bowed out of the US Open and professional tennis with a third-round defeat by Ajla Tomljanovic.

Williams’ performances against Danka Kovinic and Anett Kontaveit had given hope to the tens of thousands who have flocked to Flushing Meadows hoping her swansong could have a fairy-tale ending.