Australian Open: Serena leaves news conference in tears after Osaka loss

<p>Serena Williams left her Australian Open news conference in tears after her semi-final defeat by Naomi Osaka.</p>, <p>The American great saw her latest bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title ended by Japan’s three-time major champion Osaka, who won 6-3 6-4.</p>, <p>She gave the crowd inside Rod Laver Arena a long wave goodbye with her hand over her heart, leading to questions over the 39-year-old’s future.</p>, <p>She responded: “I don’t know. If I ever say farewell, I wouldn’t tell anyone.”</p>, <p>Williams became tearful when asked a further question about her unforced errors against Osaka.</p>, <p>“I don’t know. I’m done,” she said, before leaving the room.</p>, <p>ALSO READ: Australian Open: Osaka to face Brady in final after beating Serena</p>, <p>Williams thanked her fans in a post on Instagram shortly after the match.</p>, <p>“Today was not ideal outcome or performance but it happens. I am so honoured to be able to play in front of you all,” she wrote.</p>, <p>“Your support, your cheers, I only wish I could have done better for you today.</p>, <p>“I am forever in debt and grateful to each and every single one of you.”</p>, <p>Williams has been aiming to equal Margaret Court’s major record since her return from maternity leave in 2018.</p>, <p>Her 23 Grand Slam titles is the most by any player in the Open Era, with 13 of Court’s titles coming before the tour became fully professional.</p>, <p>ALSO READ: Australian Open: Osaka to face Brady in final after beating Serena</p>, <p>Since her return, Williams has reached four Grand Slam finals but lost them all, including to Osaka at the 2018 US Open.</p>, <p>It is the first time in 18 years that Williams has lost an Australian Open semi-final.</p>, <p>It is also her first loss against a top five opponent at a hard court Grand Slam since she was beaten by Jelena Jankovic in the Australian Open last 16 in 2008.</p>