She lost her opener to Karolina Muchova, but Williams was proud of herself<\/a> following the 3-6, 6-2, 1-6 defeat at Arthur Ashe Stadium.<\/p>\n Like Muchova, world number one Aryna Sabalenka is into round two of the US Open<\/a>, although upsets have already occurred elsewhere.<\/p>\n Canadian Open champion Victoria Mboko fell in the first round, along with Australian Open champion Madison Keys.<\/p>\n And there was also an early exit for legendary figure Petra Kvitova<\/a>, who lost 6-1, 6-0 to Diane Parry in her opening match.<\/p>\n The two-time Wimbledon champion has not only bowed out of the US Open following her defeat, but also from tennis.<\/p>\n READ MORE: WTA US Open 2025: Who is playing, how to watch and what is the prize money<\/a><\/p>\n And she has received plenty of messages following her retirement, with Simona Halep writing on her Instagram story<\/a>: \u201cCongratulations for everything you have done Petra! Enjoy life now.\u201d<\/p>\n Kvitova also shared Billie Jean King\u2019s<\/a> message that read: \u201cCongratulations on an incredible career. Looking forward to following the next steps in your journey,\u201d as well as Ons Jabeur\u2019s note: \u201cThank you for being an inspiration for a lot of us.\u201d<\/p>\n Danielle Collins reacts after two-time Grand Slam champion retires from tennis<\/p>\n There was indeed another WTA retirement in New York, with Caroline Garcia<\/a> calling time on her glittering career.<\/p>\n She lost her US Open first round match 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 to Kamilla Rakhimova, and leaves tennis with 11 WTA singles and eight doubles titles to her name.<\/p>\n Merci beaucoup, Caroline! \u2764\ufe0f<\/p>\n 11 Singles Titles. WTA Finals Champion. Billie Jean King Cup Winner. 2x Roland Garros Doubles Champion.<\/p>\n Congratulations, @CaroGarcia<\/a>, on an impressive & memorable career! \ud83c\udfc6 pic.twitter.com\/cuX52UL5VH<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 wta (@WTA) August 25, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n View Tweet<\/p>\n The French icon has also received huge support since her exit, with Danielle Collins<\/a> saying of Garcia on her Instagram story<\/a>: \u201cCongratulations on an incredible career.<\/p>\n \u201cYour achievements throughout your entire career is something so special. Who you are as a person and as a friend is even more special.\u201d<\/p>\n Jabeur wrote on her story: \u201cWishing you all the best for the future,\u201d with Paula Badosa writing: \u201cCaro, don\u2019t leave us! Your energy will be very missed!<\/p>\n \u201cCongratulations on an amazing career! Great player but better person! Wish you nothing but the best. Grande amiga.\u201d<\/p>\n Like Kvitova, Garcia is a two-time Grand Slam winner, having triumphed in French Open doubles on two occasions.<\/p>\n Both players meanwhile emerged victorious in the WTA Finals once upon a time, winning in 2011 and 2022 respectively.<\/p>\n ![\"Venus](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-2231393596-1024x660.jpg\")
Photo by KENA BETANCUR\/AFP via Getty ImagesBillie Jean King reacts after two-time Wimbledon winner retires after US Open exit<\/p>\n