Serena Williams in the broadcast booth? The ball is in her court

Serena Williams could easily walk off the court and into the broadcast booth if she wants to, pocketing a handsome paycheck and boosting ratings for a sport that is losing star power, those in the business say. Williams bid an emotional farewell to the sport she dominated for over two decades at the U.S. Open on Friday night and afterward said she wanted to stay attached to the game. "Tennis has been such a huge part of my life, I can't imagine not being involved in tennis," she told reporters. "I don't know what that involvement is yet."

ESPN holds broadcasting rights for three of the four Grand Slams and two-time doubles major champion and ESPN analyst Luke Jensen told Reuters that Serena would be welcomed with open arms. "We would absolutely love to have her and Venus in the booth," he said. "I'm not in those negotiations or anything but if you look at the John McEnroes, the Chris Everts, the people that are true legends in the game, by staying close to the game, their brands stay strong."

An ESPN spokesperson said the network would be open to the possibility. "If either sister is interested in exploring that route in retirement, of course we would certainly welcome any opportunity and would be happy to talk to them," said ESPN's Dave Nagle. While some like NFL quarterback Tom Brady are more than ready to leap into broadcast, setting up a lucrative exit ramp from the playing field to the commentary booth before they've even called time on their career, others want to take their time before stepping in front of the camera.

Former world number one McEnroe has one of the most recognisable voices in tennis but waited 15 years after retiring from singles competition before signing with ESPN. Others like 12-time major